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Budget spending sprees are not enough

By Vern Hughes - posted Tuesday, 17 May 2005

In 2005, we are living in an era of individuality and consumer choice, and the supply-side model of service delivery no longer satisfies us. All the evidence around us tells us that human beings are wonderfully diverse, and make cultural, lifestyle, economic and religious choices that are their own. We need governments that can now find the will to treat us in the same spirit.

Education resources, across state and federal jurisdictions, can and should be allocated to parents in the form of a student-centred school funding voucher, to allow parents to drive choice and accountability in education.

Health funding across federal and state programs can and should be tied to patient-centred health plans, with patients choosing a health broker or agent to access the best health services and supports they need to keep them well. Disability, mental health and aged care services can and should be funded by individualised payments to persons and their families/carers.

Governments can do a lot to empower individuals and families. The first step is to give up the annual budget night spending spree.

Can someone please tell our Treasurers this before next budget night?

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About the Author

Vern Hughes is Secretary of the National Federation of Parents Families and Carers and Director of the Centre for Civil Society and has been Australia's leading advocate for civil society over a 20-year period. He has been a writer, practitioner and networker in social enterprise, church, community, disability and co-operative movements. He is a former Executive Officer of South Kingsville Health Services Co-operative (Australia's only community-owned primary health care centre), a former Director of Hotham Mission in the Uniting Church, the founder of the Social Entrepreneurs Network, and a former Director of the Co-operative Federation of Victoria. He is also a writer and columnist on civil society, social policy and political reform issues.