Welcome to Future Directions International Homepage

FDI Launches Australia 2050 Study

Future Directions International is pleased to announce the publication of its landmark study, Australia 2050. 

Australians have never until now consciously and comprehensively outlined who they and their nation are, and where, in specific historical terms, they wish to find themselves into the indefinite future. Australia 2050 is a landmark study of national significance which seeks to provide Australia with a framework for responding to future challenges.  Australia 2050 - Please click on the image to go to the publications page where an order form is available

This study attempts to understand the shape which the world of the coming half century will take, and how Australia can best fit within it, preserving its identity, languages, culture, prosperity, and security. It is an attempt to prepare the nation for the great global transformations of the future. Australia cannot ignore, or escape from, this change. It will need to cope with change more than ever as a truly independent nation, navigating carefully between the often differing interests of its great trading and security partners. 

The publication is available from www.Sidharta.com.au and leading bookstores. The FDI Australia 2050 Briefing Paper is avaliable for Australia 2020 youth and other delegates. To request a copy, please click on the Contact Us tab and include your email address.   

Future Directions International

Future Directions International (FDI) is a not-for-profit Approved Research Institute with Deductible Gift Recipient and Income Tax Exempt Charity status.


FDI is a recognised and reputable research institute. It was established in 2000 by the Founding Chairman, Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC, with support of numerous prominent Australians, including Sir Charles Court, Kerry Stokes, Dr Patricia Kailis, Harold Clough and the late Sir Laurence Brodie-Hall.


(l-r) FDI Executive Director Craig Lawrence AM & FDI Board Member Harold Clough AO OBE BE (Hons) with the former Premier of Western Australia, Richard Court ACInitial funding and financial support was provided by the Western Australian State Government, Western Australian universities, private donors, and support in kind from the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, and the Department of Defence. At present FDI is almost exclusively funded by private donations.


Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC, the immediate past  Governor General of Australia, is the Patron and Chairman.


FDI’s core business includes independent, integrated research and analysis of issues important to Australia’s national and international long-term future, in addition to providing high-level strategic advisory services to selected clients.


FDI undertakes an integrated systems approach to researching and analysing issues which are shaping Australia’s future.
(l-r) Mr Craig Lawrence AM, Mr Tom Wallace, Mr Barry Cusack, Ms Catherine Livingstone, Mr Jim Nockels, Mr Harold Clough AO OBE, Mr Greg Copley AM, Mr Jerry Ellis, Dr Curt McDonald Under the supervision of FDI’s Board of Directors and Research Committee we are identifying key issues which require further analysis and progressively adding them to our Research Agenda. Our priorities for research are driven by our assessment of the timing and importance of particular issues, along with resource availability.


One of FDI’s great strengths is the proven ability to manage knowledge service projects, producing strategic advice on public policy and corporate strategies. We are able to draw on our large national and international network of FDI Associates, to form multidisciplinary teams of experts, and examine complex issues.