A new report has confirmed Australia’s capital city, The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), as the best place to live in the country for the seventh year in a row.
The latest Social Progress Index, which looks at the indicators of health, housing, education, and wellbeing across the country, found that the ACT has outperformed all other states and territories when it comes to community wellbeing.
The report highlighted the presence of a strong, stable government, well-funded healthcare and education systems, low levels of inequality, and generally high levels of stability and safety in the ACT as key factors contributing to its consistent success.
The Centre for Social Impact released a report on Monday which assesses a state or territory’s capacity to provide for the fundamental needs of its inhabitants and establish grounds for welfare.
On Monday, the Centre for Social Impact issued a report that evaluates a state or territory’s ability to fulfill basic requirements of its residents and build up a foundation for welfare.
Victoria placed second in health and wellbeing, shelter, personal safety and access to advanced knowledge, while New South Wales, the nation’s most populous state, secured the third position due to its high scores in water and sanitation, as well as nutrition and basic medical care.
South Australia achieved fourth place in water and sanitation and personal safety, while Queensland came in at fifth with commendable scores in water and sanitation, nutrition, and basic medical care. Tasmania was placed sixth, due to impressive results in water and sanitation, nutrition, and basic medical care, just ahead of Western Australia that also scored well in these fields.
Professor Logue emphasized the Social Progress Index findings showed a worrying gap throughout the nation and the requirement for tailored strategies.
“We aim to provide insight into which policy interventions are most effective in different communities and locations across the country by examining the alarming fragmentation of the nation, where one’s health, welfare, and overall satisfaction depend significantly on their geographical position,” she said.
All jurisdictions except Victoria made strides in regards to water and sanitation, however, none of them were successful in delivering adequate and affordable housing.
The Centre for Social Impact has studied the uptake of homelessness services, social housing tenancy and demand, and rental affordability to better understand the cause of the housing crisis in Australia and how progress can be achieved. The research shows that having access to affordable and adequate housing is a priority in each locality.
Australia has been ranked 12th out of 168 countries for the Global Social Progress Index, based on the most recent 2021 data from government departments and national institutions included in the Australian Social Progress Index.
