Moves to reign in the NDIS have highlighted the fiscal horse-trading that occurs when the Commonwealth seeks support from the States.   Our health system is a patchwork with opaque accountabilities and delivers uneven service nationwide. It is activity instead of outcome-based.   Perhaps the Commonwealth should take sole responsibility for our health system's policy, focus, funding and efficiency – from preventative health to acute, disability and aged care.   At the very least, there needs to be a fully inclusive community dialogue on achieving a better health system with clear accountabilities and less bureaucracy.

2023 has again demonstrated the challenges of amending Australia’s constitution and managing the nation’s finances through the unresolved issues stemming from the Federation in 1901.   Our political leaders have demonstrated their inability to address complex issues within the context of modern-day politics, and they need more vision and statecraft to build consensus within the community for sorely needed change.   A constitutional convention that includes everyday people – not just politicians, insiders, academics and elites – would be an excellent process for building a better future for all Australians.

“The renewal of capitalism and democracy must be animated by a simple, but powerful, idea: that of citizenship…This is the tie that binds people together in a free and democratic society…If that tie is dissolved, the democratic polity will founder…     Citizenship must have three aspects: concern for the ability of other citizens to have a fulfilled life; the desire to create an economy that allows citizens to flourish in this way; and ,above all, loyalty to democratic political and legal institutions and the values of open debate and mutual tolerance that underpin them.”    Martin Wolfe

Directors of a mutual company, are obliged to exercise their powers and duties in good faith, in the best interests of the company and for a proper purpose.   This means that they must hold an honest and reasonable belief that the actions they are taking are in the best interests of the mutual company.   Directors are under constant surveillance to do so and at risk of being sued or prosecuted if they don’t.   We should expect the same from our politicians and public servants in duty to the country - and have better means of bringing them to account.

Disappointment is changing to anger as I read about wasted expenditures by our governments (state and federal).   Misdirected spending by the Defence Department is an excellent example of federal government waste, with poor strategic choices, lack of cost control and many purchases of equipment not fit for purpose.   The Victorian government's program of transport initiatives is another example of poor strategic decision-making and cost control. To hear the new Premier claim electoral endorsement was given to the unaffordable rail loop project and that cost blowouts were just increased investments makes my blood boil.   It is our money being wasted.

Recent political and business events remind us that all leaders – be they in government or business – should embrace and practice the Hayne Royal Commission’s six fundamentals: 1. Obey the law 2. Do not mislead or deceive 3. Act fairly 4. Provide services that are fit for purpose 5. Deliver services with reasonable care and skill 6. When acting for another, act in the best interests of that other.