Researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) are running a survey “Australia: Our Future, Your Voice” which they say is the first of its kind in the world, and will give Australians a choice of four different scenarios about the future direction of the nation.

“The aim of the survey is to support a national discussion on what Australians want their future to be and guide government, business, and community leaders,” said senior researcher Ian Chambers.

Professor Robert Costanza from the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy said Australia was at a cross-roads and key choices needed to be made about the country’s future.

“This is evident in the political, social, and economic debate leading up to the next federal election,” Professor Costanza said.

“Should we pursue an approach to our economy which continues to focus on economic growth, pursuing opportunities in the mining, energy and agriculture sectors? Or should we focus more on our environment and social well-being?

“Should we increase or decrease the role of government. Should we pursue a more free market economy or a more managed economy?”

“These are important questions. But until now, no one has asked the Australian public what they want their country to look like in the future.”

The Australia: Our Future, Your Voice survey is available online between Thursday 31 March until Wednesday 20 April at anuscenarioplanning.com.