FUTURE Directions International Pty Ltd (FDI) is a leading independent, not-for-profit corporation established to conduct comprehensive, integrated research and analysis of important medium to long-term issues facing Australia. Our aim is to help optimally position Australia for the future by supporting public and private sector leaders in their strategic decision-making. Our primary role is to help underpin strategic leadership.
FDI grew out of a shared belief among some prominent and experienced Australians that there was a need for an organisation to undertake independent research and analysis of the big issues facing Australia, issues like our place in the international system, national security, sustainability, population, and economic development. There was also a need to provide informed, balanced advice to key decision-makers in the public and corporate sectors. It was thought that Australia should develop its own equivalent of the Brookings Institution or RAND in the US.
To meet this need, FDI was launched in May 2000 under the chairmanship of Major General Michael Jeffery, much-respected former WA Governor and now Governor-General of Australia. The initiative received strong bi-partisan support from the Federal and Western Australian governments and oppositions, as well as support from the academic sector and corporate sponsors.
FDI is currently chaired by Jerry Ellis, along with a board comprising senior representatives of academia and business. Its research activities are overseen by a highly qualified academic research committee.
Lee Cordner is the managing director, supported by a national and international network of highly regarded experts in a wide variety of fields.
FDI is endorsed by the Commonwealth Department of Education Science and Training as an Approved Research Institute with endorsement from the Australian Taxation Office as a deductible gift recipient and income tax exempt charity.
Future Directions International Pty Ltd
18 The Terrace Fremantle
Ph: (08) 9431 9200,
Fax: (08) 9431 9299
www.futuredirections.org.au
