058 - Why don't governments take wellbeing seriously? Diane Bowles & Dr Kate Sollis

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Iasiello engages in a critical conversation with Diane Bowles and Dr. Kate Sollis about the importance of wellbeing in policy and the challenges faced in promoting it in Australia. They discuss the Measuring What Matters framework, the role of government, and the significance of community engagement in developing effective wellbeing policies. The conversation also touches on the Future Generations movement and local initiatives making strides in wellbeing. The guests emphasize the need for collaboration between government, community, and business to create a sustainable wellbeing economy and the importance of sustaining momentum across election cycles.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests02:59 The Importance of Wellbeing in Policy05:58 Measuring What Matters Framework08:34 Government's Role in Promoting Wellbeing11:44 Challenges in Implementing Wellbeing Policies14:41 Community Engagement in Wellbeing Initiatives17:37 Future Generations and Long-term Thinking20:26 Local and International Examples of Wellbeing Initiatives23:30 Sustaining Momentum Across Election Cycles26:41 Conclusion and Call to ActionKeywordswellbeing, mental health, policy, community engagement, government, Measuring What Matters, Future Generations, wellbeing initiatives, Australia, wellbeing economyTakeawaysAustralia is starting to take wellbeing seriously but needs to do more.The Measuring What Matters framework aims to go beyond GDP in measuring wellbeing.Community engagement is crucial for effective wellbeing policies.Embedding wellbeing into policy requires a long-term commitment.Local initiatives like the Bega Valley Data Collective are making strides in wellbeing.Future Generations movement emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking.Collaboration between government, community, and business is essential for progress.Sustaining momentum across election cycles is a challenge for wellbeing initiatives.Transparency and accountability in government can enhance community trust.Wellbeing frameworks need to be developed with community input to be effective.