Lyrics:

National service has a long and divisive history in Australia - think Vietnam and conscription. Don脗麓t expect any political leader to call for its return.

But what do you think about a civilian-style national service encompassing environmental repair, caring for older Australians and community building projects?

Political philosopher and commentator Dr Tim Soutphommasane from Monash University makes the case for the return of national service.

This interview was first broadcast on 5 August 2010.