A New Year – A new challenge

Photo: 

Mark Henley

While there were unexpected disasters and many challenges facing individuals and organisations during 2011, we know that the first part of 2012 will bring both state and local government elections. The challenges this poses are the many unknowns that go with this. Will there be changes of government, ministers, mayors, councillors, policies or more? What will this mean for each person, their family and community?

While we often hear a lot about the political leaders policies on roads, taxation, education and business, we don’t hear enough about how they intend to work with some of the most vulnerable people in the community. How will these leaders work to resolve the many issues that vulnerable people face, such as poverty, homelessness and long-term unemployment?

With global financial uncertainty, the resources boom (which brings positives and negatives) and other pressures on families and communities, what is needed is clarity from candidates. How will they support the most vulnerable people? What is needed is political vision. Leaders must share and articulate their vision of how all people in the community can be supported to have quality lives free of poverty and inequality.