According to the annual index by public policy adviser SGS Economics and Planning, regional wellbeing across Australia has been assessed based on seven indicators. Sydney's Northern beaches emerged on top for their overall wellbeing, showcasing a positive quality of life for residents. Meanwhile, the Australian Capital Territory stood out for its commendable performance in areas like gender wage equality and climate change risks management, securing the second position in the rankings.
The analysis of 518 local government areas (LGAs) highlighted the stark differences in wellbeing across regions in Australia. While Sydney's Northern beaches and the Australian Capital Territory fared well in the assessment, regions like Yarrabah and Palm Island in North Queensland, and West Daly in the Northern Territory, displayed lower levels of wellbeing. Julian Szafraniec, principal at SGS Economics and Planning, emphasized the importance of initiating discussions around strategies to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing in local communities, with a particular focus on addressing disparities.
The data also shed light on socioeconomic factors influencing regional wellbeing, such as gender pay gaps and housing affordability. Regions like Brisbane were lauded for their strong economy and educational opportunities, contributing to their higher rankings in the index. On the other hand, areas like regional Western Australia exhibited significant gender pay gaps, primarily attributed to low female participation in industries like mining. Despite challenges in areas like housing affordability, the assessment identified regions like Yarra in Victoria, Hobart, and Streaky Bay in South Australia as leaders in gender pay equality, showcasing a more equitable distribution of income.
Moreover, the analysis delved into health outcomes and environmental indicators across different regions in Australia. While Brisbane ranked 17th in health outcomes with a high life expectancy of 86 years, other regions in New South Wales and Western Australia faced challenges in this regard. In terms of the environment indicator, states like Victoria, Tasmania, Western, and South Australia outperformed others, emphasizing the importance of climate change resilience and conservation efforts. The findings aim to provide valuable insights for policymakers to prioritize investments that can enhance the overall quality of life for residents, stressing the significance of measuring what truly matters for sustainable and inclusive development.