Youth-Led Campaign to Introduce New Bill in Parliament to Prioritise and Protect Future Generations
Foundations for Tomorrow
On 10 February 2025, Independent MP Dr. Sophie Scamps introduced the Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill to Parliament, mandating that government decisions consider the long-term interests of current and future Australians. Driven by youth-led non-for-profit, Foundations for Tomorrow volunteer team, who have united voices nationwide through the For Our Future Campaign. The Bill is also backed by the Intergenerational Fairness Coalition, reflecting broad support for future-focused governance.
Seconded by Mrs Bridget Archer MP, the Bill proposes four key measures:
1) Introduce a Federal Legislative Framework for the wellbeing of future generations;
2) Establishing a Positive Duty to Consider the Interests of Future Generations;
3) Establishing an independent statutory Commissioner for Future Generations to advocate for and represent Australians’ long-term interests and sustainable practice; and
4) Launching a National Conversation on Future Generations to engage Australians in a public consultation to shape the nation’s vision for the future.
The proposed independent Commissioner would oversee and advocate for policies aligned with long-term prosperity, while the National Conversation would engage diverse communities to ensure their future needs shape policymaking. Developed through the Australian Parliamentary Group for Future Generations—co-chaired by Dr. Sophie Scamps, Zaneta Mascarenhas MP, and Mrs. Bridget Archer MP, and convened by Foundations for Tomorrow—the Bill reflects strong cross-sector collaboration, backed by years of advocacy and the Intergenerational Fairness Coalition.
The Bill builds on the growing demand for long-term decision-making in government decisions. Research by Griffith University’s policy expert coalition, EveryGen, indicates that 97% of Australians back policies that consider future generations, with 81% believing politicians focus excessively on short-term issues and 78% backing a Future Generations Commissioner. Short-term thinking comes at a cost, with future generations set to bear the financial burden of rising pressures, including an aging population – life expectancy is projected to increase from 81 to 87 for men and 85 to 90 for women, by 2060 (Productivity Commission 2023) – requiring sustainable funding solutions to prevent further economic strain on younger Australians.
Reflecting global best practice, the Bill draws inspiration from the internationally acclaimed Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and represents another step in Australia’s journey toward prioritising long-term wellbeing in government decision-making.
Sign the petition and help build a better future for all Australians: www.forourfuturecampaign.org and join the conversation and support long-term policy making by visiting www.foundationsfortomorrow.org.
Foundations for Tomorrow (FFT) is a youth-driven non-profit committed to renewing our approaches to leadership, decision-making and governance.
Image by Goran Horvat from Pixabay