Why should the ACT have a Wellbeing Framework?
The way we measure our progress as a Territory drives the public conversation and helps to frame the Government’s focus for decision making and investment.
By turning our attention to indicators of social progress and considering them alongside the economic issues we already measure, we start to form a clearer picture of the broader effects that policy and non-policy factors have on our people, businesses, places and systems.
The ACT Wellbeing Framework provides high-level indicator outcomes for Canberra. The indicators in this Framework are informed by measures that will use both people’s subjective interpretations of quality of life, and data that charts objective progress. Subjective measures consider an individual’s own preferences, needs, and experiences. Objective measures are those that can be recorded by an external observer and are frequently used as part of existing statistical frameworks. Each have an important role in a wellbeing framework.
Measuring those factors that drive the wellbeing of Canberrans will help us to evaluate policy and programs and guide future policy design and decision making and ensure these are being given the best chance of providing outcomes that benefit the overall wellbeing of all Canberrans on measures that matter to them. Measuring wellbeing will help us understand how we can improve the lives of all Canberrans and support those who need it most.
The Framework will also inform the community and community groups as to progress and thereby assist the community to consider where and how they can best contribute to improving the wellbeing of Canberrans.