Short-term party politics is preventing bold decisions to build Australia's future prosperity.
That's the view of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, which is urging both sides of politics to use the likely election in July as an opportunity to think long term and focus on real change that can provide a better future for the nation.
"Public policy in Australia has become tainted by short-term thinking that prevents bold reform," the institute's head John Brogden says.
In a new report the institute details priorities which could be implemented over the next two years that would generate better economic and social outcomes.
COMPANY DIRECTORS URGE LONG-TERM CHANGE
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* Fixed four-year terms for the federal government via a referendum in 2017.
* Reduction in overall government spending.
* Changes to superannuation and capital gains tax, a lift in the GST, cuts to personal and company tax rates and state tax reform.
* Bipartisan national plan to take Australia from "lag" to "lead" on global innovation.
* Expand national focus on skills with attention to STEM.
* A national strategy to reduce the gender gap in workforce participation by 25 per cent by 2025.
* Improved governance of Fair Work Commission, changes to penalty rates and simplification of national award system.
* COAG commitment to a 15-year national infrastructure plan.
