Opportunity proposes Future Generations Commissioner to weigh long-term impacts of policy
The Opportunity Party says it would set up a Future Generations Commissioner if elected, to hold governments to account for the long-term effects of their policies. RNZ reported the proposal, which the party says is aimed at stopping short-term thinking in government.
Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong said New Zealand needs to stop making decisions based on the next election. Under the plan, the party would enact a Future Generations Act giving the commissioner powers to guide the development of long-term national goals.
The commissioner would be appointed for a five-year term. No minister and no party would be able to direct its findings. Funding for the office would be scrutinised through the Officers of Parliament process, not by a minister.
The commissioner would be responsible for assembling citizens' assemblies and other public participation in developing New Zealand's long-term goals. The party says those goals would be designed in partnership with Māori and be consistent with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The party's policy document, titled Direct democracy, says the commissioner would oversee a range of public engagement processes tailored to the issue at hand.
Major government policy, Budgets and investment proposals would be required to disclose their long-term costs, benefits, risks and impacts on future generations. That would include the cost of doing nothing.
Wong said the commissioner would not replace elected representatives. Instead, she said, it would help ensure the interests of future generations were considered in their decisions.
The proposal comes as a new poll has put the election on a knife-edge, with the Opportunity Party close to the 5 percent threshold. Parties must reach that share of the party vote to win seats under the mixed-member proportional (MMP) system.
Wales has a Future Generations Act and a dedicated commissioner, according to Stuff.
