ABC Radio: Why are Nordic people so happy?
Many Aussies believe Australia is the best country in the world, but according to the World Happiness Report, we come in 12th place. The top seven happiest countries are all Nordic countries, and they have stayed there since the World Happiness Index was published in 2013. Why?
Read moreBaby Boxes: The Finnish Maternity Grant
Since 1949, Finland’s baby box program has provided new parents with parenting essentials. It continues to inspire similar programs worldwide.
Read moreSupporting Media Diversity: Nordic Lessons
Australia can learn from Scandinavian measures to widen the range of views available for the public.
Read moreSecuring children’s future
Planned new funds from the national and two major state governments for early years learning have huge potential. Nordic-style measures to reduce privatised childcare – and now boost wages, job security and training support for children’s educators and carers – are urgently needed to realise that potential.
Read moreCar scrapping premiums: Removing polluting vehicles from Finland’s roads
Finland’s car scrapping premium campaigns have been a marked success in removing thousands of polluting vehicles from Finnish roads and helping people transition to lower emissions transport.
Read moreIf you’re not at the table you’re on the menu: Co-determination in Sweden
Since 1976, Sweden has had a policy of ‘Co-determination’ where 2-3 members of every company board must be appointed by a trade union as employee representatives.
Read moreManaging Resource Booms: The Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund
A Norwegian style sovereign wealth fund could enable all Australians to benefit from Australia’s natural resources and help Australia manage the next resource boom.
Nordic Nations See Multilateralism Key to Combat Climate
Nordic countries have long considered multilateralism key to combatting climate change and environmental issues. This month, the Stockholm+50 conference commemorated 50 years since the landmark United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, and for the first time saw United Nations Member States formally recognise the need to phase out all fossil fuels.
Read moreMedia Release: Finland & Sweden Join NATO: Dramatic Strategic Change in Europe
“The looming applications by Finland and Sweden for NATO membership together constitute the most significant strategic change in Europe since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the destruction of the Berlin Wall,” said Allan Behm, Director of the Australia Institute’s International & Security Affairs Program.
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