Could we have a more egalitarian society?

Intergenerational equity in access to environmental assets is a key tenet of the case for ecological sustainability - so that future generations are not denied access to environmental assets by the rapacious activities of the present generation.

The inherent connection between the objective of ecological sustainability and egalitarian concerns about social justice comes through strongly in this sort of thinking about new directions for public policy. Making progress in these policy areas is not simple, of course. As with all progressive political, economic and social change, there is a need for critique, vision, strategy and organisation. We need a critique of the prevailing situation, vision about the characteristics of a better society, a strategy for getting from here to there, and political organisation to bring about the transition.

These are difficult requirements, but not impossibly difficult. The growing support for the Green Party, for example, reflects the concerns about issues of social justice and economic efficiency - interpreted as using our economic resources effectively to serve social goals - as well as concerns about environmental quality.

There are other significant pressure points, too. The trade union movement periodically shows its capacity to embrace industrial and social reforms as well as protection of the immediate interest of current union members - but it could do more. Under the leadership of Greg Combet and Sharan Burrow, the ACTU has shown that it can effectively represent the interests of the workforce in general, especially when faced with a threat such as that posed by WorkChoices.

Meanwhile, a broad array of non-governmental organisations is actively pursuing alternative political agendas, challenging the dominant neoliberal orthodoxy and the associated obsessions with material acquisitiveness and economic growth.

It is not surprising that so many people’s primary concern has been with getting a bigger personal slice of the national income and wealth - through capital gains and other unearned incomes, if possible - rather than creating better overall social outcomes. The social costs of this process are now evident.

More people can be expected to question the point of further affluence for the already affluent. It is increasingly apparent that it is neither fulfilling nor sustainable. Egalitarian ideals and policy practices are crucial in these circumstances.