Start the Change

In September 2009 we launched a statewide consultation on our Social Policy Framework: ‘Smarter, Stronger, Healthier, Safer’.[1]

Valuable feedback to Liberal and National MPs has contributed to our plans to fix problems and improve services.

Six principles guided consultations, and continue to shape policy.

Firstly, we believe that early intervention and prevention of problems before they become serious should be our objective.

With our ageing population and the rise of chronic and avoidable illnesses, the NSW Liberals & Nationals recognise the importance of prevention through the establishment of a separate Shadow Minister for Healthy Lifestyles.  Our intention is to focus on ways to maintain and improve good health, and give it the attention it deserves across all government activities.

Similarly, our Literacy & Numeracy policy focuses on identifying and supporting students at risk of falling behind early in their learning – rather than letting more complex consequences develop later in life.

Secondly, we place value on local decision making and community partnerships.  This approach underpins policies on local health boards; tackling graffiti; and community involvement in planning decisions.  The same characteristics that make Australians such generous volunteers motivate people in their own communities to participate in community projects, governance of local services, and looking after each other.  The NSW Liberals & Nationals want to steadily devolve more decision making in sectors and communities where people want it.

Thirdly, we believe in the right of individuals to make informed choices and the expectation they will accept responsibility. This approach underpins our proposal for individualised care packages for people with disabilities.  Carers and the people they care for should be respected and trusted to make the choices which are best for them.

Fourth, it goes without saying that residents should expect that NSW should offer the highest quality and standard of services in Australia.  This will require disciplined economic management, and a focus on the performance of government, with an open mind as to how to improve services and keep them responsive to emerging needs. In other words, to put the people and taxpayers of NSW firmly at the forefront of a new customer service culture for public services.

Fifth, delivery of services must be timely and equitable. People should not have to accept lower quality services based on where they live or their personal circumstances.