Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Auditing the audit

By Conrad Liveris - posted Friday, 2 May 2014


The Commission was hasty in defending itself. It does not want to upset markets at all, and maybe it has done that in the 1200 pages. I see two glaring issues for government to boost efficiency and productivity: women and the homeless.

Australian women are not in a good state. With a widening gender pay gap there is no response that notes that says that is a good thing. The only policy that was considered by the Commission was the troubled paid-parental leave scheme. This is a tax that seems to only have critics.

I have written previously on the opportunity that comes with the rise of women, the report should have addressed this more. Who would not want a more productive public service and economy? We know that gender diversity increases those.

Advertisement

There are 106,000 people who are homeless around our nation. Imagine if they were in work and contributing to the economy. All of my interactions with the homeless are with people who are wanting to work and contribute but there are structural limitations that sometimes only government can fix.

Homelessness is not the responsibility of but one government or organisation, that demeanour fails to recognise the complexity of homelessness in Australia. The Federal Government does have a role to play especially when it comes to the provision of land and in training.

The Commission has missed what could have been a monumental statement on how small-governments could interact with the economy. What we have is a document that outlines where government should keep itself out of.

Hockey now has direction on where he should focus his philosophy. Some will criticise that and what fruits it bears, but time will tell.

Rarely are these opportunities gifted to us. Whether you believe that changes need to be made or not, this is a great moment to consider what Australia could be.

The Treasurer is right that we should all do the heavy lifting. What we require from him is guide us to a more prosperous and effective nation, that does not mean cleansing government of all that liberals and Liberals do not like.

Advertisement

Whatever Hockey does now is his responsibility and the duty of parliament to maintain that Australia remains the lucky country.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

14 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Conrad Liveris is a Community Advocate and Operations Analyst, working in business development and policy with a focus on gender equality and intergenerational issues.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Conrad Liveris

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Conrad Liveris
Article Tools
Comment 14 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy