A proposed initiative hopes to engage Australians in discussions about leadership and policy, social justice and public health.
The events of 2020 have brought to the forefront concerns about leadership in Australia.
Government policies and programs are often decided by those at the top – yet not everyone’s voices are represented equally at these higher levels.
However, a new initiative, called Voices of Australia, might just be the platform needed to change this imbalance.
Tracey Oorschot, PhD candidate in the Australian Research Collective in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, designed this initiative, and believes that it can help Australians speak up about issues affecting them.
“Voices of Australia would be a national online platform to engage Australians, to hear their voices and to ask what changes they want to see in our society concerning inequality, inequities and social justice,” Tracey says.
“It will be open to all Australian residents and citizens.”
The primary goal of Voices of Australia? To create a new national values instrument.
This platform would allow individuals or groups to submit proposals for a new national values instrument, providing many diverse community groups, who are traditionally excluded from leadership positions, a chance to make a difference.
“Entries will be judged by a panel made up of leaders in public health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, industry or professional groups and community organisations,” Tracey says.
“These judges will decide the top three entries, and the winner will ultimately be decided by public vote.”
While this online platform will be an opportunity to raise political literacy for all Australians, Tracey also says that Voices of Australia will help raise awareness of the connection between public health and public policy.
“The bushfires and the pandemic have shown Australians what the key social determinants of health are and how they contribute to a healthy society.”
“Now more than ever, Australians are aware of the impact of elements such as employment, education, gender equity, socioeconomic status, housing, local environments and human rights,” Tracey says.
“There’s a growing consciousness about how these social determinants of health affect all levels of our nation.”
Tracey hopes that Voices of Australia will help people from diverse groups engage in meaningful debates about issues that affect all Australians, including climate change, education, employment, social justice and inequity.
“Australians are discovering more about what kind of society they want to create – and a healthy society is central to that vision.”
Read Tracey's essay here: The Voices of Australia Project [opens external site]