The vision and achievements of Henry Parkes, one of the nation's greatest founding fathers, provide the catalyst for this collection of ideas for Australian society - from education policy to rail infrastructure, from models of government to options for a republic, and from social justice through constitutional reform to evolving multiculturalism and the broader 'crimson thread' of kinship that is emerging to unite Australians today. Published to commemorate the bicentenary of Parkes' birth, the book brings together speeches delivered by distinguished Australians for the Henry Parkes Foundation since 2001. Anyone who hankers after more long-term thinking and creative problem-solving in contemporary Australian politics will find it a stimulating read. John Bannon; Marie Bashir; Neal Blewett; Linda Burney; Lyndsay Connors; John Faulkner; Geoff Gallop; Helen Irving; Philip Laird; Ted Mack; Henry Parkes; Susan Ryan; Gordon Samuels; George Williams.