Policy Forum
NSW Labor Policy Forum
The Policy Forum is one of many significant reforms introduced at the 2011 Annual Conference.
The 16 men and women you elected to the Policy Forum are from both the country and the city and represent the strength and diversity of our great Party:
The first meeting of the Policy Forum was held on December 10. At this meeting Policy Forum members voted to develop six Policy Commissions to deal with the following topics:
1. Jobs and the economy
This Policy Commission will consider the following subject matter:
• Employment and work
• Economic prosperity
• Fiscal policy
• Industry development
• Growth and innovation
• Taxation
This Policy Commission will consider the following issue:
“Beating the two speed economy”
NSW doesn't have the benefit of relying on major resource exports to underpin the State's economy.
How do we support innovation and new industries to create 21st century jobs for NSW's future?
2. Sustainable Cities and Regions
This Policy Commission will consider the following subject matter:
• Creating livable cities
• Public transport
• Roads
• Housing
• Local government
• Environment
This Policy Commission will consider the following issue:
“Local Government and Labor”
What values and policies will Labor stand for in the 2012 Local Government elections?
Articulating Labor's plans to empower people, improve transparency and deliver quality services at a local level
3. Education and equality
This Policy Commission will consider the following subject matter:
• Equality of opportunity
• School based learning
• Pre-school and early intervention
• Vocational training
• Tertiary education
• Skills development
• Human services and social equity
This Policy Commission will consider the following issue:
“Strengthening the safety net”
What innovations are needed to strengthen the safety net and improve education outcomes for children from economically disadvantaged families, children with learning difficulties, indigenous children and students for whom English is a second language?
4. Healthy living
This Policy Commission will consider the following subject matter:
• Preventative healthcare
• Hospitals
• Aged care
• Community based services
• Mental health
• Medical research
This Policy Commission will consider the following issue:
“Preventative healthcare”
The demand for healthcare is increasing and with an ageing population, the cost of healthcare will continue to rise.
How do we develop a genuine preventative approach to managing the health of our communities?
5. Safe communities
This Policy Commission will consider the following subject matter:
• Law and Order
• Policing
• Justice
• Corrective services
• Juvenile Justice
• Victim support
• Crime prevention
This Policy Commission will consider the following issue:
“Speaking out against the unspoken”
What action can the Government take to prevent domestic violence and other forms of abuse in the home?
6. Growth in the regions
This Policy Commission will consider the following subject matter:
• Rural and regional affairs
• Regional development
• Country infrastructure
• Supporting growth
• Regional service delivery
• Equity in the regions
• Regional employment
This Policy Commission will consider the following issue:
“Keeping kids in the country”
What measures can be put in place to encourage children who grow up in Country NSW, to stay in Country NSW?
How do we encourage young people from the city to undertake education and work in rural and regional areas?