Independents for Canberra have committed to make the ACT the first jurisdiction in Australia to introduce a Future Generations Act.
Modelled on Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act, introduced in 2015, the ACT’s Future Generations Act would develop a community-led vision for Canberra’s future, and establish an independent Future Generations Commissioner to ensure government decisions aligned with that vision. Decision-makers would be legally required to prioritise the wellbeing of current and future generations.
A Declaration on Future Generations is set to be adopted at the UN Summit of the Future next week, and the leader of Independents for Canberra, Thomas Emerson, says the ACT has an opportunity to be a first mover in committing to the wellbeing of future generations.
“Young people have little confidence that political leaders are making decisions in their long-term interests,” said Mr Emerson.
“The climate, housing and cost-of-living crises are combining to present the next generation with a future coloured by hopelessness.
“Young people feel they can’t afford their own future. They fear our changing climate. They despair at runaway habitat clearing and species extinction. They’re trapped by new technologies that are causing harm, rather than being harnessed for good.
“Let’s face these crises head-on and show the rest of the world how to make a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of current and future generations.
“The next generation of Canberrans deserve a city where they can grow, learn and thrive. I want my children, and their children, to feel inspired to realise their aspirations. We need to offer young people a future they can be excited about.
“Over 65 local species are facing extinction. Native vegetation is being cleared to build new suburbs that are car dependent, low in canopy cover and ill-prepared for a changing climate.
“Our Bush Capital can be a world leader in establishing a culture of responsible stewardship, infused with First Nations knowledge about Caring for Country.
“38 per cent of Australians aged 16-24 have a mental health disorder. 40 per cent of Canberrans report experiencing loneliness. People aged 18-24 are the loneliest.
“What are we doing to address these deep-seated societal problems? We’re not seeing the leadership we need from our politicians. How much longer do we have to wait before people in power take action to tackle intergenerational inequality?
“This is a forward-looking city where there’s a strong mandate for transformative social change. Canberra is the perfect place for this idea.”
Murrumbidgee candidate Paula McGrady, who wants to become the first Indigenous woman elected to the ACT Legislative Assembly, said people deserved more long-term thinking from our elected representatives.
“What will our legacy be? The decisions we make now have to create aspiration and hope for generations to come,” said Ms McGrady.
“All our children deserve a future they can enjoy and a healthy environment that supports them to flourish.”
Recent research by the Australian National University showed many politically engaged young Australians feel disillusioned by politics and lack confidence in politicians’ ability to create meaningful change.
EveryGen’s Intergenerational Justice Policy Survey 2024 found that 81 per cent of young people believe Australian politicians think too short-term, 78 per cent support establishing a Commissioner for Future Generations, and 97 per cent believe that policies today should take into account the interests of future generations.
Independent Senator David Pocock has introduced a Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Equity) Bill 2023 that would impose a statutory Duty of Care on decision-makers, requiring them to consider the likely impact of decisions that could harm the climate on the health and wellbeing of current and future children.
Mr Emerson said that Independents for Canberra’s Future Generations Act would reach beyond climate issues, requiring all public institutions to meet current needs without compromising those of future generations. The Act would give teeth to the ACT Wellbeing Framework, empowering the Commissioner to push for greater action and accountability on the part of decision-makers.
The proposal is supported by Independent MP Dr Sophie Scamps and former independent ACT MLA Dr Michael Moore AM.
Dr Scamps has formulated a federal Future Generations policy. “I’ve been working hard with the Intergenerational Fairness Coalition to see these advancements to protect future generations implemented at the federal level,” she said. “State and territory-based action for this shared ambition is vital and I support it 100 per cent.”
Dr Moore, a former four-term independent ACT MLA, said: “How often do we hear that politicians only think in three- or four-year terms – until the next election? Thomas Emerson has turned this on its head by announcing Independents for Canberra’s commitment to a Future Generations Act.
“So many people look in vain for a long-term vision from our politicians. The commitment of Independents for Canberra to a Future Generations Act reflects a serious understanding of the need for long-term thinking in politicians, and bodes well for any of their members who are elected.
“Thank goodness there are some in this election who are thinking well beyond the next election. A Future Generations Act, as proposed by Independents for Canberra, will provide a check and balance for all government actions to ensure they are not undermining future generations.”
