Episode 72: Bronwyn Kelly reads Parts 4 to 6 of Chapter 5 of her latest book, The Public Interest Economy: the path to wellbeing, security and sustainable consumption in a democratised Australian economy.
Chapter 5 is about how to rearrange Australia’s welfare systems to transform welfare from being the privilege of a few to the permanent entitlement of all. It is about shifting from a targeted welfare system to a system of universal income security. And it’s about how this shift is essential to a flourishing and sustainable economy where no-one need live in poverty as millions of Australians do now.
In Parts 4 to 6, Bronwyn discusses how universal welfare is essential to our equality in democracy and to our entitlement as equals to fair shares of the burden and benefits of the economy. This leads into a discussion of how Australians can embark on an efficient and democratic process of collaboration to decide what sort of economy they want.
Is it an economy that secures their wellbeing?
Is it an economy that is fair?
What does a democratic economy look like?
How can we build a democratic economy that supports the public interest?
In answer to these questions, Bronwyn suggests that Australians will need to assess their economy from the point of view of whether it fits with principles that they have decided will work best to foster the sort of economy they want. These principles are likely to be about fairness.
Principles of fairness can be established in a National Accord on Wealth, Welfare and Wellbeing. Find out more at https://austcfp.com.au/supporting-activities#national-accord
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bronwynkelly.substack.com