A YEAR ago tomorrow, more than 1000 of the nation's best and brightest gathered, enthusiastic and idealistic, for Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's 2020 talkfest.

"We are throwing open the windows of our democracy," the Prime Minister declared, and over two days the ideas flew forth, some sweepingly ambitious, a few a bit crazy, in hope of striking a chord.

The Prime Minister asked the 10 groups for one big idea each, three concrete policy ideas, and three 2020 goals. Participants laboured with butcher's paper. Mr Rudd promised responses by year's end, but these were delayed, first until January, then, as Government attention was focused on the global crisis, put off again. The summit became very "2008" for a Government with the new all-consuming priority of the economy.

Now, finally, the responses are to be released to coincide with Wednesday's community cabinet in Perth.

Action is being announced on nine modest proposals, including a children's TV station, "golden gurus" (retired people who would become workforce mentors), a study for an indigenous national knowledge and cultural centre, and backing for the bionic eye.