Economic diversification is at the top of the political and policy agenda in Western Australia but what does that actually mean and how can diversification serve the wellbeing of people and planet?
These questions will be at the centre of a public lecture and policy roundtable to be hosted by The University of Western Australia Public Policy Institute this month.
The events will feature leading political economist Dr Katherine Trebeck, co-founder of the global Wellbeing Economy Alliance and Economic Change Lead at The Next Economy.
Dr Trebeck will explore how a wellbeing economy lens can reshape the conversation about economic diversification in WA, moving beyond traditional debates about greener mining and exports to consider how to deliver better outcomes for people, communities and the natural environment.
“After decades of prosperity built on a ‘mining state’ model the cracks are showing,” Dr Trebeck said.
“Rising inequality, escalating living costs and climate impacts all point to the urgent need for an economy that works for everyone — and for the planet we depend on.”
The policy roundtable forms part of the UWA Public Policy Institute’s mission of “improving lives through evidence-based policy” by bringing together key policymakers, industry leaders, academics and community advocates for a research-informed discussion.
In the public lecture – Is Our Economy Working for Us? Diversificaiton and a Wellbeing Economy for WA - Dr Trebeck will focus on increasing public awareness, knowledge and understanding evidence-based policymaking and research.
Associate Professor Paul Maginn, Director of the UWA Public Policy Institute, said the event was at a crucial moment for WA’s economic future.
“Economic diversification and wellbeing are high on the policy agenda of the WA State Government and the Australian Government,” Associate Professor Maginn said.
“However, global disruptions and local crises mean people need to be at the heart of that agenda and Katherine Trebeck will outline how to put people and planet first.”
The UWA Public Policy Institute and co-hosts Good Together and The Next Economy emphasise collaboration is essential for reimagining WA’s economic future.
Good Together Co-Director Matt Berry said they were really calling for more ambitious imagining about WA’s future.
“Diversification could be an incremental change, or it could open the door to a deeper shift in our thinking about what our economy should do for us,” Mr Berry said.
The free public lecture will be held on Monday 27 October from 6pm to 8pm at Woolnough Lecture Theatre. For more information or to register click here.