As cities across the world strive to increase livability and sustainability cars have become a key focal point. Many European cities are in the process of redesigning streets to reduce vehicle access and instead make more room for pedestrians and cyclists. In Nordic countries, this is just the latest chapter in a longer history of inclusive urban planning. Oslo’s car-free Livability Programme and Denmark’s cycle-friendly infrastructure offer useful models of how Australian cities could increase social, health and environmental benefits for all residents.

Denmark and Sweden are home to two of the world’s best research integrity watchdogs. This is because these nations have implemented legislation that provides their watchdogs with the power to effectively handle cases of ‘research misconduct’, which is when researchers intentionally manipulate or falsify data to gain a competitive edge over their peers.

In Denmark, renewable wind power generates 54% of all electricity. The rapid expansion of wind power has been driven by policies that ensure citizens have a financial stake in its development. 

Many Aussies believe Australia is the best country in the world, but according to the World Happiness Report, we come in 12th place. The top seven happiest countries are all Nordic countries, and they have stayed there since the World Happiness Index was published in 2013. Why?

Since 1949, Finland’s baby box program has provided new parents with parenting essentials. It continues to inspire similar programs worldwide.

Australia can learn from Scandinavian measures to widen the range of views available for the public.

Planned new funds from the national and two major state governments for early years learning have huge potential. Nordic-style measures to reduce privatised childcare – and now boost wages, job security and training support for children’s educators and carers – are urgently needed to realise that potential.

Finland’s car scrapping premium campaigns have been a marked success in removing thousands of polluting vehicles from Finnish roads and helping people transition to lower emissions transport.

Since 1976, Sweden has had a policy of ‘Co-determination’ where 2-3 members of every company board must be appointed by a trade union as employee representatives.

A Norwegian style sovereign wealth fund could enable all Australians to benefit from Australia’s natural resources and help Australia manage the next resource boom.