Prioritise The Measuring What Matters Framework in Australia

13

Let’s get to 25 signatures!
Petitions with 1,000+ supporters are 5x more likely to win!

The issue

As someone who has felt disillusioned by how our nation measures its success, I am calling on the Australian Treasury to prioritise the Measuring What Matters Framework over GDP to inform policy decisions. GDP, while a useful economic indicator, fails to capture the holistic well-being of society, environmental sustainability, or the personal happiness that I and many others value deeply.

Alternative Frameworks, such as Gross National Happiness (GNH) in Bhutan and Wellbeing Budget in New Zealand, have shown remarkable results in guiding policies that promote genuine progress and sustainable development. These countries focus not only on economic output but also on social welfare, environmental health, and individual well-being. Their thriving communities answer the call for a more comprehensive and humane approach to governance.

Australia is at a crossroads, grappling with rising inequality, environmental challenges, and social tensions. Solely focusing on GDP growth obscures these crucial issues. By adopting a framework that includes physical and mental health, personal safety, climate resilience, acceptance of diversity, and income and wealth distribution, we can make informed policy decisions that genuinely reflect the values of the Australian people.

The current over-reliance on GDP metrics has led to short-sighted policies that serve economic interests over human and environmental health. The recent bushfires, for instance, brought devastating impacts that GDP metrics failed to adequately convey in terms of loss of biodiversity and community health. Transitioning to a holistic framework will empower policymakers to address these issues proactively and responsively.

It is time for Australia to embrace a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach to public policy. By prioritising the Measuring What Matters Framework, Australia can lead by example, fostering an environment where economic activity supports social progress and environmental stewardship.

Join me in urging the Australian Treasury to take this decisive step towards a better future. Sign this petition to advocate for a policy framework that truly measures what matters to you, me, and the whole of Australia.

Petition Updates