In Australia we are making gains. But in Papua, and Borneo things still get worse. The challenge for those committed to reshaping society remains ongoing. We need many people's best thinking to become more effective. We need to involve and empower more and more people in creative work for change.
Skills are already high in some areas and yet quite poor in others.
For example the lobbying done by the ACF and TWS is now highly skilled and well focussed. It seems to be, however, dependent on particular political parties being in government. In the grassroots, things are achieved against high odds but people involved burn out and disappear at a disturbingly high rate. Many do not stay long enough to get enough relevant skills and experience to initiate, watch over and follow through their own projects. Experienced activists have very limited resources and are too few in number.