This paper calls on the next government to back Australian thinking, to invest in understanding the human condition. It contains three calls to action to position future citizens and the workforce for a world in which neither democratic institutions nor social cohesion can be taken for granted.

Key themes

• To understand Australia's history and the histories of others to navigate historic hatreds and conflicts – what has worked before, what has not, and why?
• Expert eyes needed on Australia's region.
• Expert minds needed on artificial intelligence (AI). 

Calls to action

• Replace the Job-Ready Graduates package with a fairer, more effective and efficient policy.
• The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (or similar) take a strategic role, independent of universities, in considering the state of disciplines to inform national coordination and planning.
• Amend the Terms of Reference for the National Science and Technology Council to incorporate social and cultural expertise, alongside scientific expertise.