[Greens-Media] Time to take note of the Nation's well-being

[Ludlam, Scott (Sen R. Siewert)]

Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for WA

Wednesday, 6 September 2006

Time to take note of the Nation's well-being


"The figures in today's Australian Unity Wellbeing Index suggests that
Australians are now much less satisfied with our society, are more
concerned about what their future may hold, and are becoming worried
about what is happening to our natural environment," said Senator Rachel
Siewert. 

"I am concerned that the data paints a picture of a nation where narrow
sectional interests and ideology are put before the fundamental values
of our way of life," she said.

The latest survey results show that the satisfaction of Australians with
their Social Conditions, Future Security and the State of the
Environment has fallen significantly.

The results also show that we feel much less like we are part of a
community, our satisfaction with life as a whole has also dropped
significantly and satisfaction with the government remains at one of its
lowest levels.
Senator Siewert has challenged the government to respond to these
figures.

"Mr Howard needs to consider the well-being of our nation as a whole,
not just the bottom line. He should reflect on how his policies on
industrial relations, welfare support and the environment are making
ordinary Australians less satisfied with their daily lives," said
Senator Siewert.

"The Greens believe that policies need to be based on longer-term
thinking which focuses on maintaining and improving the quality of life
of the whole community." 

"Governments tend to focus too narrowly on economic indicators in
assessing policy, when consideration of a wider range of measures
(including indices of sustainability and well-being) would give them a
better picture of the state of the nation," she said.

For more information or comment call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au