Work with Purpose | Episode #90 | 14 August 2023

EPISODE #90 | Unpacking Australia's first wellbeing framework

National wellbeing measures are becoming increasingly common around the world. Joining the ranks of countries such as Scotland, New Zealand, and Germany, Australia introduced the first iteration of its national wellbeing framework, Measuring What Matters, in late July 2023. Centered around five core themes—healthy, secure, sustainable, cohesive, and prosperous—this new approach aims to track progress across 50 distinct indicators. But with the first statement drawing on data from half a decade ago, some have raised questions about how it is relevant to today’s Australia.

In this episode, join us as we host two distinguished experts, Leanne Wells, freelance health policy consultant, and Professor Rosemary Calder AM, a professor of health policy at Victoria University. They will unpack Australia's wellbeing statement, what it means for Australia’s communities, and how it might shape their future. Further, the conversation explores challenges for the frameworks, and the broader question of how it can truly make a difference on the ground.

Discussed in this episode:

• Importance of metrics beyond GDP to gauge a country's prosperity
• Australia's five key wellbeing themes
• How averaging can mask inequalities
• Strategies for accurate data collection and driving community benefits.

GUESTS

Leanne Wells
Leanne Wells is a freelance health consultant affiliated with the consultancy 89 Degrees East. She formerly served as the CEO of the Consumers Health Forum of Australia and has held CEO positions in several other national peak and state-based organisations within the health sector. As a health advocate and senior executive, she brings over 30 years of experience spanning various health and social policy areas, as well as program and service development domains.

Professor Rosemary Calder AM
Professor Rosemary Calder is a distinguished professor of health policy at Victoria University's Mitchell Institute. With over two decades in health policy, she leads the Mitchell Institute's Australian Health Policy Collaboration (AHPC). She has held numerous senior executive roles in health policy and administration at both state and Commonwealth health departments. Additionally, Professor Calder served as the Head of the Office for the Status of Women in the Commonwealth Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

SHOWNOTES

• Measuring What Matters – Australia’s First Wellbeing Framework | Publications | Treasury
• State of the nation report: social connection in Australia 2023 | Ending Loneliness Together
• Australia - OCED Better Life Index
• Wellbeing indicators could help deliver on APS Reform | The Mandarin
• Jim Chalmers releases national wellbeing framework | ABC

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