Ideas big and small are up for grabs today as the 2020 summit gets underway in Canberra.
Following Prime Minister Rudd's opening address the thousand delegates have broken up into discussion groups of a 100, each focusing on a specific area of society.
Actor Hugh Jackman is a delegate in the group to discuss the arts and creativity but says that the summit itself encompasses the idea of a creative Australia.
He said he will be focusing on the issue of education and how creativity can be encouraged across all aspects of Australian society.
"I think it's essential not just for the field of arts but really how we focus on the big issues of how we make Australia a creative nation across all the areas.
"How do we set ourselves apart internationally and really a way forge ahead that we can show the Australian character across all sectors?"
Mr Jackman also said he was excited to be working with Cate Blanchett, whom he admires greatly.
"She's amazing on every level. I think she's flawless as a person and I'm thrilled that she's leading our stream.
"I would love to help focus ways to bring, I gues like myself, Australian talent back to the country."
They will then break away into special interest groups of 100 and over the next two days, come up with 12 proposals which could end up part of Federal Government policy.
Among the issues being examined are a proposal to reintroduce a peak indigenous body similar to ATSIC, how to keep Australians working past the present retirement age to combat the skills shortage.
Businessman Lachlan Murdoch, who is a delegate to the summit, says just one good proposal would be worth it.
"The more people put their ideas down and the more we have a debate about it the better we are off.
"If we can have even one great idea or a dozen great ideas in the the next couple of days, then the ideas that we debate as we go forward, I think that would be terrific."
Former Governor-General Sir William Dean, who is also a delegate, says the diversity of opinion is a good thing.
"It is government by the people, and this gives people a chance to contributewith input."
The ideas, when narrowed down, will be presented to the government to be considered for policy.
Video: John Barrington
