"Paul Keating once said, 'Change the government and you change the country.' With the election of the Rudd government, there is a renewed interest in the nation's future, both the challenges and the opportunities. Just imagine for a moment that you were in conversation with the new PM, what would you tell him about your expectations and hopes for Australia's future? In Dear Mr Rudd, leading Australian thinkers offer essays on key areas of interest: climate change, the economy, human rights, the republic, water and much more besides. Each 'letter' is passionate and imaginative and will create discussion and debate. Here is a set of new ideas to provoke and inspire, not just for our nation's leader but for all Australians. Robert Manne introduction Clive Hamilton on climate change, Hugh White on defence, Jill Murray on industrial relations, Mark McKenna on the republic, Pat Dodson on reconciliation, Mike Young on water, Bill Bowtell on health, Andrew Charlton on the economy, Anne Manne on the work/family debate, Simon Marginson on higher education, Martin Krygier on human rights and terrorism, George Williams on federal, state relations, William Maley on foreign policy, Marcia Langton on indigenous communities, Harry Evans on the parliament, Patrick Weller on the public service , Juliana Engberg on the arts, Julian Disney on housing."--Provided by publisher.