(This post was updated on 15 Aug with additional word clouds added at the bottom of the post, thanks to Ben Harris-Roxas).
We can blame the media and our political leaders for the uninspiring nature of so much political debate. Or we can try to change the conversations…
Below are two word clouds from Croakey contributors, who were asked to provide five words expressing the values they’d like to see underpin the federal election campaign, and another five words on what they’d like to see as health election priorities.
The pictures speak volumes with overlapping themes of equity, fairness, honesty and transparency.
Values for the federal election campaign
Priorities for federal election health policies
And here are the words that informed these graphics.
Values to underpin the election campaign
equity equality transparency collaboration partnership broad values inclusive fair open honest progressive vision ideals hope international aspirational visionary honest just inclusive respectful compassion transparency dignity intelligence clarity of purpose truth compassion equality justice respect, not apologising for u-turns, changing minds appropriately and even stating that we will not just stick to rigid inappropriate decisions and directions where necessary, targeted, not universal, social policy, shared vision for 30 years hence, fairness, humanity, honesty, transparency, respect, using the best available evidence for policy and not competing on irrationality or appealing to the most coarse aspects of humans eg jail terms; boat people; disadvantaged in our community, using ‘productivity’ argument to examine increasing gap between rich and poor, and outrageous and random salaries to those who can set their own salary. Put pride in decency up there with other less becoming attributes fairness compassion vision integrity equity honesty integrity visionary data-driven grace equity efficiency sustainability accountability evidence honesty equity logic constancy fairness climate community sustainability truth bravery equity social justice compassion fair integrated vision inclusion; future; positive; strengths opportunity community future wellbeing selflessness fair go equity evidence-based sustainable vision honesty equity reliability  flexibility foresight fairness responsibility compassion evidence logic equity compassion fairness regard conservation ‘fair play’ equity ‘socially, environmentally and economically sustainable’ honesty, equity, care, fairness environmental compassion fair just evidence ethical, equity, innovation, leadership, transparency compassion for the vulnerable equity fairness fairness, transparency, respect, integrity, sustainability equity fairness respect vision responsibility honesty transparency true cost-effectiveness fairness respect environment connectedness engagement transparency truthfulness positive concern equity social justice caring for the planet equity efficiency rigor compassion integrity thoughtful benevolent honest skilful, firm multiple voices, end the duopoly, honesty, equity, intergenerational equity, respect (for our institutions), leadership, innovation, integrity, authenticity, inspirational empowerment, rationalise, devolution, diversity, transformation long-term accountability reciprocity compassion thoroughness equity (of access and availability, urban, regional, rural/remote) one-stop-shop (convenient community site combining health mental health & welfare services) wellbeing inclusive (Aboriginal, Transcultural Refugee & Asylum seeker service provision) safety-net strengthen our public revenue constructive long-term economic planning transparency respect honesty generosity depth fairness humanity sustainable employment long-term ethical just trustworthy empathetic integrity trust  respect valuing people compassion relationships compassion honest local real representative honesty integrity vision equity humanity compassion fairness equity courage fairness honesty care respect reciprocity community impact outcome inclusion compassion inter-generational worst-first equity holistic compassionate honesty environment progress education health participation future sustainability adaptation fairness honest frank considered equity fair, policies cognisant of social impact, strategic honest complete fair sensible respectful informed aspirational sincerity integrity proactive realistic intelligible multi-pronged differentiated, long term vision, health in all policies, innovation tolerance courage integrity humour social justice fairness compassion decency compassion visionary evidence-based honesty objectivity honesty accountability brave creative just honesty integrity aspiration humanity fairness compassion, focus on long-term, not just tomorrow, truth justice love fairness equity transparency sustainability inclusiveness honesty respect vision equity transparency equitable fair sustainable transparent evidence-based inclusive, outcome focused, consultative, value for money, a fair and open society
***
Priorities for health policies
underserved, sustainable, equitable, effective, coordinated adaptation sustainability workforce prevention equity prevention mental dental research technology integrate research/practice proactive realistic affordable equitable prevention information co-ordination collaboration, partnership, equity and access for all Australians, cost-effectiveness evidence rationing fairness honesty, real service integration, primacy for primary health care, political leadership in prevention, fairness, community health, universality participation, real prevention, remedying disadvantage, safety and quality, concern for people not profits, human rights, resilience, mental health, disability wellness equity efficiency transparency universality wellbeing determinants future equity wellbeing prevention equity public population promotion preventive
Indigenous  rural  primary care education research mental health end of life prevention equity evidence-based interdisciplinary consumer focused, future focused outcome driven, consolidate COAG reforms, equity preventative primary care evidence-based value (as in, high value outcomes per dollar) equity access training efficiency rural equity access multidisciplinary social universal Close the Gap food physical activity transport equity integrated patient-centred long-term mental health value equity prevention Indigenous mental aged-care collaboration
engagement access innovation diversity health inequalities ecological sustainability education fairness need integration access prevention prevention access affordability individualised affordable accessible appropriate accountable, single national insurer, refugee health, higher education, birthing, McKeon’s quality &  research plans, No Health Without Mental Health, social determinants, Health not just illness focus, integration (of Health & Mental Health), community-base, recovery-oriented less bureaucracy, more primary healthcare, Indigenous, stigma, socioeconomic, ageing, alcohol, de-bureaucratise, local, prevention, social, accountability, fund the consumers, not providers, leadership for transformational change, equitable humane responsive respectful courageous, rebuilding the taxation base, patients getting necessary health care equity growth aging embed reform (Medicare Locals and National Disability Insurance Scheme), lifestyle changes, mental health, climate change, environment, public transport, active travel, water equity fairness engagement primary prevention climate health refugees nature rural Australia prevention, Aboriginal health, multidisciplinary teams Elimination of disparities equal access for all, honesty equity care fairness Indigenous inequality social determinants primary care evidence equity, compassion, evidence, populations, effectiveness prevention, access, equity, innovation, climate change research, prevention, digital, affordable, patient-centred, prevention determinants access quality Aboriginal global comprehensive equity bravery effective, action on social determinants of health, equity flexibility research support, cost-effectiveness social determinants prevention sustainable healthcare equity need future children social determinants social stress equity poverty Indigenous prevention equity universality public accessible prevention primary Indigenous children mental, targeted not universal healthcare benefits, end-of-life care, population health, child health, evidence-base over-servicing equity planning universality climate change health promotion palliative care person centred/holistic care Indigenous health eHealth chronic disease prevention support access multidisciplinary appropriateness inclusion E-health innovation partnerships prevention Aboriginal community control, Aboriginal leadership, local Aboriginal solutions engagement participation consultation.
Update, Aug 15.
… and compare the images above with the word clouds made by Ben Harris-Roxas with the words of the Rudd-Abbott debate on Sunday night.
Apart from the contrast between the Croakey contributors’ word clouds and those from the Rudd-Abbott debate, what strikes me is the dominance of “Mr” in the leaders’ debate….
