Our "Maroonprint"
As we recover from the ongoing Covid19 crisis there has never been a more important time for building a fairer, more sustainable and thriving Queensland full of opportunity for everyone.
We need to capitalise on the strengths that have underpinned our response to the health crisis, while responding to the problems this crisis has revealed.
As organised civil society we want to see this achieved in a way that responds to the needs of Queensland and Queenslanders.
This will not be a short term response, but must be deeply grounded in the organisations where we develop deep relationships that enable listening, identifying pressures, providing mutual support, and acting together for wider democratic change. These are our churches, mosques, unions, community organisations and ethnic associations.
Together we have developed a "Maroonprint" that captures the direction needed by the 1.7 million Queenslanders represented by our Alliance. It is a "Maroonprint" because why have a "blueprint" in Queensland! Read the Maroonprint below or download a copy here.
"Winning the Peace" - a broad based consensus
Alliance leaders have been reflecting together on when previous crises have also created positive opportunities for achieving change for the common good.
For example, after WW2 the reconstruction in Australia was based on a strong, public push to not just win the war, but “win the peace”.
This approach came from civil society and was taken up by political leaders. Because it was widely held, it underpinned a generation of positive changes for the common good - from both sides of politics.
We believe a broadly held consensus similar to “winning the peace” is needed again today. And it is the role of civil society to champion this agenda.
Maroonprint for Queensland Reconstruction
As we recover from the ongoing Covid19 crisis there has never been a more important time for building a fairer, more sustainable and thriving Queensland full of opportunity for everyone.
We need to capitalise on the strengths that have underpinned our response to the health crisis, while responding to the problems this crisis has revealed.
As organised civil society we want to see this achieved in a way that responds to the needs of Queensland and Queenslanders.
We endorse this Maroonprint for Queensland Reconstruction, and we call on the Queensland Government and all political parties to agree to this vision and the practical principles.
Vision
Our vision is of a Queensland reconstruction that:
- Is people centred, fair and creates greater equity and opportunity for those who most need it.
- Creates jobs that are safe, secure and dignified for all Queenslanders.
- Responds to the threat posed by climate change with strategies that protect our planet, create decent jobs that provide dignity, and strong communities that are united and safe.
- Builds communities that are safe, connected, responsive and inclusive.
- Prioritises reconciliation between the First Nations and other peoples of Queensland - guided by the principles in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Practical Principles
1. Government leads in getting Queenslanders back into good, secure jobs as quickly as possible through spending that stimulates the economy. Ensuring no one is left behind by targeting support to vulnerable small businesses and vulnerable workers.
2. Invest in the public services that have supported Queenslanders through the crisis. Ensuring we maintain and improve on the high quality of health care, education, community and emergency services.
3. Create jobs and industries in climate solutions to ensure Queensland does its fair share to keep global warming under 2°C and as close to 1.5°C as possible:
a. Climate Jobs Plan with specific targets and clear roles for Government.
b. Build big public renewable projects and make Queensland a renewable energy superpower
c. Plan for a thriving clean manufacturing industry in Queensland powered by clean energy.
d. Engage in an ambitious program to build critical infrastructure projects to support a thriving Queensland well into the 21st century.
e. A strategy to support impacted workers into the jobs of the future.
4. Strengthen the capacity of Queensland’s rural and regional communities to be healthier economically and socially.
5. Build the community infrastructure of the 21st Century across Queensland including:
a. Increase funding in the network of independent, locally governed, place-based community Neighbourhood Centres; recognising their particular role in working with the most vulnerable communities, building social capital and thriving communities.
b. Deliver community health and care services through neighbourhood/community centres, making health services accessible and close to the home, building wellness, connections and resilience.
c. Support and resource local mental health strategies and initiatives.
6. Develop a new strategy for addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness with a whole-of-person, whole-of-community and whole-of-government approach
7. Ensure new Queenslanders are welcomed and supported in good times and in bad.
8. Establish a commission with broad community representation to develop and oversee the implementation of a plan for Queensland’s future in line with this vision, principles, and human rights frameworks.
9. Ensure new legislative and police powers are reviewed in a transparent way, and are proportionate, fairly enforced and time-limited.
Approved by Qld Community Alliance Leaders Council on 4th June 2020.