Well, well

Despite cynicism in some quarters, Treasury is pressing on with its “wellbeing” measures for the next Budget and for other accountability documentation. Even the Auditor-General’s office is getting behind the idea, saying it could work if it draws a link between money spent and how that money creates value. But there are also warnings that some things are hard to put into monetary terms, and that different people can have different views of exactly what wellbeing is. As the AG warns: “If the information provided in the strategic Budget documents is too vague, or if the links between Budget spending and wellbeing outcomes is not apparent or is too nebulous, then the initiative might be seen as unsuccessful.” Translated, that means: “If you get it wrong or get too ‘hippy’, you will be a laughing stock”. Some Treasury staff might also be wondering if wellbeing measures will take account of long hours and overwork.