An independent MP has introduced a bill that would require the Government to consider the “economic, social, environmental and cultural wellbeing” of future generations when deciding national laws.
Independent MP Dr Sophie Scamps said the bill would combat “short-term thinking” when addressing issues such as housing, climate change, and gambling.
While the Labor Government hasn't yet formally ruled out support for the bill, it’s unlikely to pass.
So, why has a bill like this been put forward?
Legislation
Under Dr Scamps’ legislation, there would be a positive duty for the government and other public bodies to consider the wellbeing of future generations.
Decision-makers would legally be bound to consider the “wellbeing” of younger people when drafting laws and policies. They would also need to release its ‘wellbeing objectives’ and report on its progress every six months.
The process would be overseen by a ‘Future Generations Commissioner’, who would be appointed through a competitive panel selection.
The Commissioner’s key role would be to “advocate for the long term interests of Australia and current and future generations.”
It would also oversee a ‘national conversation’ public forum, inviting young people, First Nations Australians, and people with disabilities to partake.
After this process, the Commissioner would publish a report observing the “medium-term and long-term trends, risks, and opportunities” that could impact Australians’ future wellbeing.
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Reasoning
Dr Scamps argued that Australia’s short-term political cycle (one federal election every three years) has led to “futile” policy solutions to major issues.
“Australians want long-term solutions,” Dr Scamps said, pointing to research from Griffith University showing nearly all Australians (97%) support policies that take future generations into account.
“They want politicians to think beyond their own re-election prospects every three years and put some serious effort into turning the ship around for future generations.“
Parliament
Any bill introduced to Parliament by a non-government politician is known as a “private members bill”. To pass, it would need the support of the government and others. This is very rare.
Although this bill doesn’t have the support of the government to pass the bill, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said today that he would be “having a look at the ideas” in her legislation.
The bill was backed by Liberal MP Bridget Archer, who previously co-chaired a Parliamentary Group for Future Generations, alongside Dr Scamps.
Climate duty
Last year, the Government rejected a more narrow proposal to create a duty to actively consider young people’s health when making climate-related decisions.
A Senate committee, led by the Labor Government, suggested the bill was too broad and there would be difficulties in protecting less tangible areas of health, like cultural and spiritual wellbeing.
The main advocate promoting the bill, Anjali Sharma, described the government’s rationale as “weak”.
