Over the past few years we have been hit with bushfires, floods, a global pandemic and rising interest rates – exacerbating a cost of living crisis. We know families are facing uncertainty.
The NSW Government is committed to rebuilding the essential services that have been neglected. We know that with the right priorities, we can build a better NSW.
Addressing the big challenges facing NSW will take time and needs to be informed by the right data, which we do not have and need to fix.
This paper begins the consultation process for the Performance and Wellbeing Framework. It is based on the principle that what gets measured, gets done.
Governments have always relied on indicators of economic activity, such as production, employment and income to measure performance. These are important, but ultimately not sufficient.
We believe governments should be prudent and transparent in spending taxpayer dollars. They must also demonstrate movement towards worthy social goals.
The NSW Government will create indicators that reflect our values and priorities.
Matching Government expenditure with indicators will ensure the people of NSW have clarity on the performance of the public services they rely on.
These ideas are not new. The Australian Government and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development have created similar frameworks to measure and report wellbeing. We will collaborate with the Australian Government on this Framework to advance our shared goals.
Consultation and feedback leads to better policy outcomes. We also want to ensure that the things we decide to measure, and the ways in which we measure them, resonate with the community. The indicators set out in this document should help start the discussion.
The NSW Government looks forward to receiving feedback on the proposed Performance and Wellbeing themes, outcomes, and indicators as we introduce the Framework from 2025-26.
This Framework will help us build a better NSW together.
The Hon. Daniel Mookhey MLC
NSW Treasurer
The Hon. Courtney Houssos MLC
Minister for Finance
Minister for Natural Resources
Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement
What we measure gets done. That’s why the NSW Government is developing a Performance and Wellbeing Framework to show how we are progressing on our long-term reform plans to build a better NSW.
This paper is another step toward a complete Framework that will be presented in the 2025-26 Budget. The Framework and potential indicators will be refined through consultation with communities and experts through 2024.
This Framework will allow the Government to benchmark its delivery of services and track the overall quality of life of the people of NSW. The Framework will also support prioritisation and accountability for the achievement of the goals we have set for ourselves.
The Framework will bring together the evidence to make necessary reforms to drive efficient service delivery and innovative new programs.
In this consultation paper, we present a view of what the Framework could look like, including potential indicators. The final Framework and indicators will be refined through public consultation.
Why is the NSW Government introducing a Performance and Wellbeing Framework?
Choosing what we measure matters.
The way we measure progress or policy success influences decisions that governments make.
By considering a broader range of performance and wellbeing indicators, in addition to traditional measures, we can improve our understanding of the impacts of policy and resourcing decisions. Better information serves our community by supporting more effective allocation of our collective resources, allowing us to achieve more with less, thereby improving our collective wellbeing.
Addressing many social challenges will take time. Sustained focus and evidence-based responses will ensure we are taking the right steps to support a better NSW.
When is the NSW Government introducing the Performance and Wellbeing Framework?
Reporting progress against clearly stated measures helps inform governments on progress in the areas society identifies as important.
The NSW Government will introduce the NSW Performance and Wellbeing Framework in the 2025-26 Budget. It will strengthen our collective understanding of the connection between government policies and programs, and the results and impacts achieved. We will do this transparently to build trust and keep the Government accountable for what it delivers.
The new Framework will differ from previous performance frameworks in that its development will be informed by input from the community. The NSW Government will be consulting with the community in the latter half of 2024 to gather feedback on the new Framework. See Section 1.2 for more details.
Once implemented the Framework will:
Relationships with other wellbeing frameworks
Governments around the world, including in Australia, are increasingly measuring and reporting on community wellbeing to help inform their decision making.
Our approach is aligned with, and builds on, the Australian Government’s Measuring What Matters Framework, adapted for the service delivery functions of the NSW Government. The Australian Government’s Framework is, in turn, consistent with the Wellbeing Framework developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Framing government budgets in terms of community wellbeing is being taken up by key jurisdictions both nationally and internationally. Places such as New Zealand, Wales and Scotland have introduced wellbeing frameworks to measure and report on progress. Within Australia, the ACT has also adopted a wellbeing framework and similar approaches are being developed by other states.
As the Framework takes shape, we will be guided by best practice and key learnings from other jurisdictions who have recognised that measuring performance and wellbeing can bring benefits to policy development, resource allocation and service delivery.
Equity, inclusion and fairness are cross-cutting objectives that are relevant to all wellbeing themes.
As a general principle, proposed wellbeing metrics and performance indicators will cover the largest proportion possible of the NSW population. This will help us understand how we are faring at a whole of society level. Such macro indicators can, however, mask differences in outcomes for different groups in society. Where such differences are significant, and raise issues for society, this will be drawn out through the presentation of information for different groups, where available.
For example, the indicator ‘proportion of NSW population over 15 who experienced personal crime’ covers the entire NSW population over 15, which could be broken down by gender. Where the measure disproportionately affects a particular group, more detailed information can highlight this. Similarly, ‘customer satisfaction with NSW Government services’ covers the entire NSW population but can also be tracked by different population groups including First Nations, regional, people with disability and age-specific cohorts.
First Nations communities are considered specifically within the Framework with performance indicators for the NSW Outcome ‘Aboriginal people’s voices are heard at the centre of government’. Having a First Nations specific NSW Outcome recognises both the unique historical context of First Nations people in NSW and the NSW Government’s formal Closing the Gap Partnership Agreement.
What is the NSW Performance and Wellbeing Framework?
The NSW Performance and Wellbeing Framework is built on two tiers:
These are driven by Government programs and policies.
Figure 1.1 – Performance and Wellbeing Framework Structure
At the highest level, wellbeing themes are the pillars that contribute to the wellbeing of NSW communities.
There are eight wellbeing themes in the NSW Performance and Wellbeing Framework. These are Healthy, Skilled, Prosperous, Housed, Secure, Community, Connected and Sustainable.
Figure 1.2 sets out the wellbeing themes and defines success for each area. For example, ‘Healthy’ could mean that people are healthy throughout life; have equitable access to quality health and care services; and have good physical and mental health.
Progress towards wellbeing themes will be measured by selected wellbeing metrics. These metrics are intended to allow us to keep track of changes in our quality of life in each of the eight wellbeing themes.
These are high level, whole of society metrics such as life expectancy and gross state product per capita. For example, life expectancy might be a wellbeing metric for the Healthy wellbeing theme. Life expectancy is impacted by factors such as economic and social demographics, prevalence of disease, access to healthcare, technological progression, and more.
NSW Outcomes allow us to observe the State’s progress within a wellbeing theme. We have included 28 indicative NSW Outcomes covering most government activities and services. Each wellbeing theme has three or four NSW Outcomes (Figure 1.2).
Progress towards NSW Outcomes will, over time, support wellbeing across the eight themes.
Each NSW Outcome is measured with performance indicators – data which describe activities in the State related to that Outcome.
Figure 1.2 – Proposed NSW Performance and Wellbeing Framework
| Wellbeing theme | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy | Skilled | Prosperous | Housed | Secure | Community | Connected | Sustainable |
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A society where people have good physical and mental health, and can access the information and services they need to make improvements
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A society that enables everyone to realise their potential through training and education
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A society that has a dynamic and resilient economy, and communities which provide opportunities for people
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A society where residents and families secure stable living conditions through access to housing, and where communities and places are thriving
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A society where people live peacefully and are safe at home and in their broader community
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A society that supports connections with family, friends and community, and promotes diversity and culture
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A society where people are connected, and services are accessible
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A society that sustainably uses natural resources, and protects, repairs and values its environment and heritage
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| NSW Outcomes | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| People receive timely, quality care in hospitals and the community | All children benefit from quality early childhood education and care | State finances are robust and sustainable | Quality housing solutions are sufficient and affordable | Communities are safe | Government is coordinated, transparent and trusted | Government services are accessible, effective and integrated | A secure and sustainable transition to a circular economy and Net Zero |
| People are supported to make the best decisions for their health | All school students are supported to reach their full potential | Markets are fair and competitive, and workplaces are safe | Places are well-designed and sustainable | People have access to justice and protection under the law | Aboriginal people’s voices are heard at the centre of government | People, businesses and communities are connected through safe and reliable public transport | Natural resources are used productively and sustainably |
| People are enabled to lead active lifestyles | Vocational education delivers the skills that people and businesses need | A vibrant and diverse economy that supports improving living standards | Vulnerable people have access to suitable housing | Children and families are safe and supported | Creative and cultural sectors are sustainable and growing | People and businesses have access to digital services | The environment and our heritage is protected, enhanced and enjoyed |
| Everyone has access to productive and rewarding jobs | Communities are prepared for and resilient to disasters and emergencies | Communities are diverse, engaged and cohesive | Communities and businesses reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change | ||||
Wellbeing metrics and performance indicators are an integral part of the Performance and Wellbeing Framework. Section 1.3 presents potential indicators that could track progress against NSW Outcomes and wellbeing themes.
While agencies will report and monitor the indicators relating to their activities, the NSW Government is collectively responsible for its performance against indicators linked to NSW Outcomes.
Pending public consultation, government agencies will work together to refine the set of possible indicators, so there is a comprehensive and well-balanced suite that measures what matters to the NSW community.
The indicators are intended to be read as a whole. Individually, they can be misleading. For example, changes in incarceration rates could be due to changes in sentencing guidelines, crime rates, reoffending rates, police effectiveness, court clearance rates, social trends, or a combination of these factors.
Proper interpretation of performance information may require the consideration of several indicators. An understanding of the policy context, and relationships between measures, can provide a clearer picture of how a system is functioning and what interventions might be needed.
Wellbeing metrics and performance indicators should be selected based on the following criteria:
Indicators selected on these criteria are more likely to be suitable for reporting progress and informing policy decisions. NSW Outcomes, wellbeing themes and performance indicators are not ranked. Nor is there any attempt to report any kind of holistic overall measure of wellbeing, although we are open to feedback on this through the consultation phase. For example, the Department of Customer Service collects information twice a year about overall life satisfaction for individuals across NSW.
While indicators are mapped to NSW Outcomes, they can often be relevant to multiple outcomes or wellbeing themes. For example, school completion is a measure of educational attainment in the Skilled theme but is also important for contributing to a vibrant economy in the Prosperous theme. This is reflective of the link between wellbeing themes, where positive outcomes in one theme can contribute to positive outcomes in others.
To be informative for decision makers and the public, the number of NSW Outcome performance indicators should be manageable. They should be selected to ensure balanced coverage across the eight wellbeing themes.
Tracking and reporting on indicators can also bring attention to the potential trade-offs between wellbeing themes. For example, if a policy intervention increases food production in the short-term, but damages biodiversity in the long-term, a wellbeing approach can highlight trade‑offs between current and future wellbeing. Understanding trade-offs and what matters most to NSW residents will be important in the development of the Framework and a focus of consultation.
Understanding economic prosperity through a First Nations lens is critical to the development of effective and meaningful public policy that reflects the needs, values, priorities and aspirations of First Nations people and communities. Without understanding what matters most to First Nations communities, economic prosperity outcomes cannot be properly considered and measured.
Attempts to define economic prosperity from a First Nations perspective remain limited, both in Australia and internationally. The term ‘economic prosperity’ may not resonate with some First Nations communities, as the concept has not traditionally existed in First Nations philosophy or language. Instead, the broader concepts of prosperity and wellbeing are often used interchangeably among First Nations people.
While definitions of economic prosperity for First Nations people are likely to differ across communities, consultations conducted through the NSW Treasury listening series in 2021 suggest that it should be more broadly thought of as being about: ‘Everyone having enough and there being enough for everyone’.
In developing performance indicators and wellbeing metrics, it is essential to understand economic prosperity from a First Nations perspective. A recent Treasury consultation series to define what economic prosperity means for First Nations people resulted in four common themes:
Understanding First Nations economic prosperity will guide the NSW Government to develop and measure policy performance through a First Nations lens. This will ensure that First Nations rights, interests and values are identified and embedded in policy, and that First Nations communities lead the policy development in matters that affect First Nations communities.
Relevant Closing the Gap indicators have been included in the Framework. Under Priority Reform 4 of Closing the Gap, the NSW Government is committed to working closely with First Nations people to ensure that Aboriginal people can participate in shared decision-making about what data is collected and how it is used. The Framework will help identify gaps in quality of life measures for First Nations peoples and inform plans for future data development.
Source: NSW Treasury Listening Series 2021.
1 NSW Treasury acknowledges there are different views and preferences on terminology when referring to First Nations people, and that no single term can appropriately reflect the diversity of First Nations cultures. NSW Treasury uses ‘First Nations’ to refer to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people residing in NSW.
Possible indicators have been selected based on what can be measured with available information. But there are gaps where we do not measure, or frequently measure, things that may be important for performance and wellbeing.
There are also difficulties in tracking distributional differences between population groups or geographies, especially where there is poor data quality or availability. The Framework will therefore be accompanied by a data development strategy to improve data quality, availability, and capability over time.
The Framework does not account for external factors that may impact on outcomes or wellbeing themes.
It does not isolate the part of the outcome or wellbeing theme that is attributable solely to NSW Government policies or programs.
Therefore, policy makers often consider how policy or program interventions are intended to achieve outcomes. NSW agencies are working collaboratively to address these known limitations through a structured approach to data development, and identify where targeted effort can address known gaps.
Throughout 2024, we are seeking your input on the Framework and possible indicators outlined in this consultation paper.
We would like to understand what wellbeing means for you and how you would like to be informed about the performance of government services.
The NSW Government has also requested the Public Accounts Committee of the NSW Legislative Assembly to inquire into an effective framework for reporting on the performance of NSW Government services and driving wellbeing outcomes for NSW residents. This inquiry will include public hearings.
We will use this public feedback and the Public Accounts Committee findings to refine the Framework and select meaningful indicators. The final Performance and Wellbeing Framework will be introduced in the 2025-26 Budget.
As First Nations people and communities are specifically mentioned in the Framework, consistent with the intergovernmental Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap, we will seek advice from the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations on how best to engage with First Nations communities, for shared decision making.
This section presents possible indicators and measures for public feedback, grouped by wellbeing theme and NSW Outcome. Indicators will be refined for the 2025-26 Budget.
Potential performance indicators are presented in tables under each wellbeing theme. Tables present indicators grouped by NSW Outcome, including descriptions and explanations of why they are important. The list of indicators is not intended to be exhaustive but is presented to support public discussion and feedback.
The NSW Government is seeking feedback from the public on whether these possible performance indicators and wellbeing metrics reflect what the community values and would like to see reported in the budget.
The indicators are in no particular order of priority, and are examples. Please see Section 1.4 for further details.
A healthy NSW means a society where people have good physical and mental health throughout life; and have equitable access to quality health and care services. The NSW Outcomes that support NSW residents’ health are:
Table 1.1 – Potential performance indicators under the Healthy theme
| NSW Outcome |
Indicator | Metric | Why this is important |
Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| People receive timely, quality care in hospitals and the community | Acute re-admission within 28 days | Overall re-admission rate for acute health patients (planned and unplanned, mental health versus all admissions) | Re-admissions can indicate lack of effective treatment or continuity of care, but could also be due to the episodic nature of some illnesses |
 |
| People receive timely, quality care in hospitals and the community | Virtual care | The percentage of non-admitted services provided through virtual care services | Virtual care can increase the accessibility of health care for some people |
 |
| People receive timely, quality care in hospitals and the community | Urgent care services | The percentage of non-admitted services provided through urgent care services | Urgent care services reduce pressure on emergency departments |
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| People receive timely, quality care in hospitals and the community | Emergency department treatment | Percentage of emergency department patients who commence treatment on time, within three levels: resuscitation (within 2 minutes), emergency (within 10 minutes), and urgent (within 30 minutes) | Timely treatment is important for health outcomes |
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| People receive timely, quality care in hospitals and the community | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children born with a healthy birthweight | The proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies with a healthy birthweight | Aligns to Closing the Gap measure; indicator of early childhood development and maternal health |
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| People receive timely, quality care in hospitals and the community | Satisfaction with healthcare | Subjective measure based on NSW Health Patient Survey (admitted patients), and Your Experience of Service (community care) results | Measure of patient experience |
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| People receive timely, quality care in hospitals and the community | Ambulance response times | Measures ambulance response time in minutes based on priority | Measures timeliness of ambulance services |
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| People are enabled to lead active lifestyles | Participation in Sports and Active Recreation at least three times a week | Measures participation for people 15 years and above, based on AusPlay survey data | Physical activity is beneficial for health outcomes |
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| People are enabled to lead active lifestyles | Physical activity | Proportion of children and adults meeting the guideline for sufficient physical activity | Physical activity is beneficial for health outcomes |
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| People are supported to make the best decisions for their health | Engagement with health system for children | Measures engagement of families with health care services in the first 2,000 days of life (pregnancy to age five) | Early childhood health and development has lasting impacts |
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| People are supported to make the best decisions for their health | Smoking and/or vaping in young people | Proportion of NSW young people who currently smoke and/or vape | Smoking and vaping are associated with health impacts |
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A skilled society enables everyone to realise their potential through training and education. This includes children getting the best start in life and learning; and people having the education and skills to thrive throughout their life.
The NSW Outcomes that support NSW residents’ skills are:
Table 1.2 – Potential performance indicators for the Skilled theme
| NSW Outcome |
Indicator | Metric | Why this is important |
Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All children benefit from quality early childhood education and care | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children preschool enrolment | Percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children enrolled in preschool in the year before they start school | Aligns to Closing the Gap measure; indicator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children thriving in their early years |
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| All school students are supported to reach their full potential | Attendance rates at NSW Government schools | Percentage of days students attended school, compared to student enrolled days | Regular school attendance has a significant influence on educational outcomes, positive peer relationships and the social skills essential for life during and after school |
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| All school students are supported to reach their full potential | NAPLAN reading and numeracy | Student achievement against national minimum standards for reading and numeracy in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 | Measures whether students are meeting national standards for literacy and numeracy |
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| All school students are supported to reach their full potential | Public school students completing Year 12 with Higher School Certificate or VET Stage 6 | Percentage of students completing HSC or VET Certificates and School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships | Measures educational attainment |
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| All school students are supported to reach their full potential | Proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 20-24 years who have attained a minimum of Year 12 or equivalent qualification | Percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 20-24 years who have attained a minimum of Year 12 or equivalent qualification | Aligns to Closing the Gap measure; indicator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students achieve their full learning potential |
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| Vocational education delivers the skills that people and businesses need | Proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-34 years who have completed a tertiary qualification (Certificate III and above) | Percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-34 years who have completed qualifications at Certificate level III or above | Aligns to Closing the Gap measure; indicator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students reach their full potential through further education pathways |
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| Vocational education delivers the skills that people and businesses need | Vocational Education and Training (VET) learners who were employed or in further study after training | Surveyed vocational education and training learners who were employed or in further study after training | Captures job-readiness of graduates (employment may not be directly related to study), and learner engagement in further study |
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| Vocational education delivers the skills that people and businesses need | Commencement and completion rates of VET trainer qualifications | Rate of commencement and completion of VET trainer qualifications | Measure of pipeline of qualified VET trainers and assessors |
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| Vocational education delivers the skills that people and businesses need | Proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth aged 15-24 years who are fully engaged in employment, education or training | Percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth aged 15-24 years who are fully engaged in employment, education or training | Aligns to Closing the Gap measure; indicator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth are engaged in employment or education |
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A prosperous society has a dynamic and resilient economy, which provides opportunities for people. This means a vibrant, diverse and resilient economy that benefits everyone; all generations share the same opportunities to prosper; and people have access to jobs and opportunities.
The NSW Outcomes that support NSW residents’ prosperity include:
Table 1.3 – Potential performance indicators for the Prosperous theme
| NSW Outcome |
Indicator | Metric | Why this is important |
Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State finances are robust and sustainable | Net government debt | Net government debt as a share of Gross State Product | Measure of fiscal sustainability |
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| Markets are fair and competitive, and workplaces are safe | Incidence rate of work-related fatalities | Number of work-related fatalities per 100,000 NSW employees | Outcome measure for work health and safety regulatory functions of government |
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| A vibrant and diverse economy that supports improving living standards | Value of NSW exports | Dollar value of exports (by primary, secondary and tertiary industries) | Exports support additional economic activity |
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| A vibrant and diverse economy that supports improving living standards | Small and medium enterprise procurement | Share of small and medium enterprises as a proportion of NSW Government procurement spend | Small and medium businesses are the backbone of the NSW economy, and should have the opportunity to participate in NSW Government procurement |
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| A vibrant and diverse economy that supports improving living standards | Jobs supported by NSW Government procurement | NSW jobs committed to as a result of NSW Government strategic procurement | The NSW Government has committed to using its valuable procurement dollars to support local jobs and content |
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| A vibrant and diverse economy that supports improving living standards | Number of new licence applications granted that were enabled by the vibrancy legislation | Number of businesses opening longer hours and providing alternate offerings | Increasing the number of businesses that provide alternate offerings, such as live music or extended trading hours, grows the economy and creates vibrancy |
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| A vibrant and diverse economy that supports improving living standards | NSW visitor expenditure | The dollar value of visitor expenditure in NSW | A strong visitor economy supports a dynamic economy that shares prosperity, as well as diverse and rewarding jobs |
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| A vibrant and diverse economy that supports improving living standards | Value of night‑time economy | Adjusted nighttime in-person consumption spend in NSW | A rich and vibrant nighttime economy enriches people’s lives. Night-time economy activities contribute to social cohesion, and economic growth |
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| A vibrant and diverse economy that supports improving living standards | Proportion of people who participated in night‑time economy leisure or entertainment activity outside the home (after 6pm) in the past 7 days | Percentage of people surveyed who took part in the night‑time economy across one week | Monitors the demand for the night‑time economy |
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| A vibrant and diverse economy that supports improving living standards | Number of core night‑time economy businesses | Number of businesses registered in industries deemed core night‑time industries | Monitors the supply for the night‑time economy |
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| A vibrant and diverse economy that supports improving living standards | Jobs created with the assistance of Investment NSW Government support | Number of jobs created with assistance from Investment NSW | Reduce unemployment, lift productivity, and raise living standards |
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| A vibrant and diverse economy that supports improving living standards | Investment secured through the support of Investment NSW | Value of investment induced through the support of Investment NSW | Support high value employment opportunities and raises real incomes |
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| Everyone has access to productive and rewarding jobs | Female workforce participation | Rate of female workforce participation | Equity measure that acts as a proxy measure to measure improvements in women’s economic opportunities |
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The wellbeing theme Housed covers both individual and community aspects. It is a society where residents and families secure stable living conditions through access to housing, and where communities and places are thriving.
The NSW Outcomes that support this theme include:
Table 1.4 - Potential performance indicators for the Housed theme
| NSW Outcome |
Indicator | Metric | Why this is important |
Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quality housing solutions are sufficient and affordable | Rate of serious identified defects rectified in residential buildings | Measures serious defects in residential buildings rectified after action by the Building Commission NSW | Partial housing quality measure that reflects the Building Commission’s regulatory functions |
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| Quality housing solutions are sufficient and affordable | New potential dwellings unlocked through rezonings | Number of dwellings approved through planning proposals and state-led rezonings | Measures planning system performance, to increase housing supply |
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| Quality housing solutions are sufficient and affordable | Proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in appropriately sized (not overcrowded) housing | Percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons who live in dwellings where no extra bedrooms are required to adequately house the usual residents | Aligns to Closing the Gap measure; indicator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people securing appropriate, affordable housing that is aligned with their priorities and need |
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| Quality housing solutions are sufficient and affordable | Social housing dwelling standard | Proportion of social housing tenants living in dwellings of an acceptable standard | Social and affordable housing, and rentals in general, should meet minimum quality standards |
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| Places are well-designed and sustainable | Government owned sites assessed as part of the Government Land Audit for potential housing use | The number of Government owned sites assessed as part of the Government Land Audit for potential housing use | Could contribute to improving housing supply |
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| Places are well-designed and sustainable | Number of visits across public spaces and events | Total number of visits | Measure of amenity and community enjoyment of public spaces |
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| Vulnerable people have access to suitable housing | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households receiving essential services that meet or exceed standards | Percentage of communities with greater than 50 per cent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents that have appropriate access to essential services | Aligns to Closing the Gap measure; indicator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people securing appropriate, affordable housing that is aligned with their priorities and need |
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| Vulnerable people have access to suitable housing | Priority social housing applicants and wait time | Measures average wait time for priority approved applicants by Sydney, regional and rural NSW | Measure of whether social housing applicants can access housing in a timely manner |
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| Vulnerable people have access to suitable housing | Social housing dwellings | Number of dwellings, by social housing type | Measure of social housing supply |
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| Vulnerable people have access to suitable housing | Proportion of people experiencing homelessness who are assisted by Specialist Homelessness Services | Percentage of people experiencing homelessness who are assisted by Specialist Homelessness Services to achieve housing | Effectiveness measure for homelessness services |
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A secure society is one where people live peacefully and are safe both at home and in their broader community. This includes communities being resilient to natural disasters and emergencies.
The NSW Outcomes that support residents’ security are:
Table 1.5 - Potential performance indicators for the Secure theme
| NSW Outcome |
Indicator | Metric | Why this is important |
Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communities are safe | Reporting of abuse of adults with disability to the Ageing and Disability Commission | Number of adults with disability reported to be subject to, or at risk of, abuse, neglect or exploitation | A measure that helps to understand extent of adults with disability subject to abuse and drive better reporting |
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| Communities are safe | Reporting of abuse of older people (elder abuse) to the Ageing and Disability Commission | Number of older people reported to be subject to, or at risk of, abuse, neglect or exploitation | A measure that helps to understand extent of elder abuse and drive better reporting |
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| Communities are safe | Reported crime rate | Reported crime rate per 100,000 people, by type of crime | Reported crime rates help us understand the likelihood to report crime and community safety |
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| Communities are safe | Experiences of personal crime | Experiences of personal crime, people aged 15 and over | A measure to help understand the extent of victimisation experiences |
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| Communities are safe | Childhood witnessing of domestic violence | Experiences of domestic violence witnessing, before the age of 15 | A measure to help understand the extent of childhood domestic violence |
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| Communities are safe | Incidents of reported cybercrime, NSW | Number of incidents of reported cybercrime, by type | A measure to help understand the extent of digital safety and security of communities |
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| Communities are safe | Proportion of bushfires contained | Proportion of bushfires contained to 10ha or less | Performance metric for response to bushfires |
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| People have access to justice and protection under the law | Adult reoffending rate | Proportion of adult offenders released from custody who have a new proven personal, property or serious drug offence in the 12 months following release | A measure to help understand the extent of recidivism and effectiveness of crime prevention and reduction programs |
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| People have access to justice and protection under the law | Young persons reoffending rate | Proportion of juvenile offenders who have a new proven personal, property or serious drug offence in the 12 months following participation in a youth justice conference or completion of a custodial or supervision order | A measure to help understand the extent of recidivism and effectiveness of crime prevention and reduction programs |
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| People have access to justice and protection under the law | Finalisations, all Criminal Courts | Finalisation rate per 100,000 people, all criminal courts | A measure for effective caseload management and timely justice |
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| People have access to justice and protection under the law | Finalisations, District Court | Proportion of District Court criminal cases finalised within 12 months | A measure for effective caseload management and timely justice |
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| People have access to justice and protection under the law | Finalisations, Local Court | Proportion of Local Court criminal cases finalised within 6 months | A measure for effective caseload management and timely justice |
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| Children and families are safe and supported | Rate of children and young people at Risk of Significant Harm | Rate of children and young people at risk of significant harm per 1,000 of population | A measure to understand the extent to which children need care and protection |
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| Children and families are safe and supported | Children in out of home care (OOHC) | Number of children (0-17) in OOHC | A measure to understand the prevalence of children who are unable to live with their own families |
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| Children and families are safe and supported | Children exiting out of home care (OOHC) to restoration, guardianship or adoption | Number of children exiting OOHC to restoration, guardianship or adoption, per 1,000 population | A measure to understand the number of children exiting OOHC and entering permanent and safe family arrangements |
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| Children and families are safe and supported | Children in out of home care (OOHC) who were restored and did not return | Children being restored with their parents or guardians who do not return within 12 months, by First Nations status | A measure to understand the longer-term restoration rate of children with their parents or guardians |
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| Children and families are safe and supported | Children in high-cost emergency arrangements | Number of children in high-cost emergency arrangements for OOHC | An indication of the extent that the system is resorting to expensive and unstable care arrangements |
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| Communities are prepared for and resilient to disasters and emergencies | State emergency management plans | Proportion of state emergency management plans that are up to date | State emergency management plans are a statutory responsibility |
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| Communities are prepared for and resilient to disasters and emergencies | Rate of rescues | Rescue incidents per 100,000 population attended by emergency service organisations | Measures community exposure to rescue situations |
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| Communities are prepared for and resilient to disasters and emergencies | Structures destroyed by disasters and emergencies | Number of structures destroyed by fire, to be expanded as data on other hazard types become available | Indicates effectiveness of risk reduction and mitigation activities |
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| Communities are prepared for and resilient to disasters and emergencies | Number of properties protected by hazard reduction | Number of properties protected by hazard reduction activities of emergency services organisations | Indicates the effectiveness of mitigation works to limit the adverse impacts of emergency events |
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| Communities are prepared for and resilient to disasters and emergencies | Rate of fire deaths | Deaths per 1 million people where cause of death is fire-related, including both structure and landscape fires | Indicates effectiveness in limiting adverse effects of emergency events |
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| Communities are prepared for and resilient to disasters and emergencies | Confinement rate for accidental structure fires | Percentage of accidental structure fires (residential and other property types) confined to room or object of origin | Indicates of the effectiveness of responses to structure fires and risk reduction and mitigation activities |
|
The wellbeing theme Community is about a society that supports connections with family, friends and community, and promotes diversity and culture. This means people have strong social bonds; enjoy recreation and leisure; and have trust in institutions and government. It also means that our community values diversity, belonging and culture.
The NSW Outcomes that support a cohesive community include:
Table 1.6 - Potential performance indicators for the Community theme
| NSW Outcome |
Indicator | Metric | Why this is important |
Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government is coordinated, transparent and trusted | Trust in NSW Government services | Subjective measure of trust in government services | Measure of community trust |
|
| Aboriginal voices are heard at the centre of government | Formal partnership arrangements in place to support Closing the Gap; enshrining agreed joint decision-making roles and responsibilities where people have chosen their own representatives | Number of partnership arrangements | Measures the extent to which Closing the Gap commitments and other formal partnerships towards self-determination for First Nations people have been met |
|
| Creative and cultural sectors are sustainable and growing | Proportion of Live Performance Australia recorded event tickets sold in NSW (attendance at live performances) | Percentage of tickets sold in NSW | Captures engagement and demand for high quality live performance and cultural events in NSW |
|
| Communities are diverse, engaged and cohesive | Attendance at Multicultural NSW festivals or events | Number of people attending | Attendance rates are a good measure on community engagement and diversity |
|
| Communities are diverse, engaged and cohesive | Interpreting and translating by Multicultural NSW | Number of assignments each year | A measure understanding how fully communities can participate in society in their spoken language |
|
A connected NSW is one where people can connect with family and friends as well as employment, services, economic, and educational opportunities. Businesses can access markets for their goods and services. Both people and businesses should have ready access to government services, safe and reliable transport, and be digitally connected.
The NSW Outcomes that support NSW residents’ connection comprise:
Table 1.7 - Potential performance indicators for the Connected theme
| NSW Outcome |
Indicator | Metric | Why this is important |
Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| People, businesses and communities are connected through safe and reliable transport | Road fatalities | Number of lives lost on NSW roads | Significant emotional, economic, and social costs arise from road fatalities |
|
| People, businesses and communities are connected through safe and reliable transport | Serious road injuries | Number of serious road injuries requiring hospitalisation | Significant emotional, economic, and social costs arise from serious injuries |
|
| People, businesses and communities are connected through safe and reliable transport | Service reliability – public transport | Measures reported service reliability by transport mode | Predictable and reliable public transport can make it easier for people to access places and services efficiently and affordably |
|
| People, businesses and communities are connected through safe and reliable transport | Public transport and active transport mode share | Percentage of total trips taken by train, metro, bus, ferry, light rail, cycling or walking | Use of public and active transport can reduce economic, social, and environmental costs associated with private transport, and improve health by increasing activity levels |
|
| People, businesses and communities are connected through safe and reliable transport | Access to metropolitan centres | Number of dwellings located within 30 minutes of a strategic centre by walking or public transport in Greater Sydney | Indicates proximity of homes to critical infrastructure, services, education and economic opportunities |
|
| People, businesses and communities are connected through safe and reliable transport | Journey time reliability – roads | Percentage of journeys completed within an acceptable travel time range during peak periods | Indicates reliability of road transport network |
|
| People, businesses and communities are connected through safe and reliable transport | Passenger satisfaction – public transport | Subjective measure of passenger satisfaction by public transport mode | Indicator of public transport service quality |
|
| People, businesses and communities are connected through safe and reliable transport | Passenger satisfaction – roads | Subjective measure of customer satisfaction of roads | Indicator of road quality and experience for road users |
|
| People, businesses and communities are connected through safe and reliable transport | Passenger satisfaction – point to point transport | Subjective measure of passenger satisfaction with point to point services such as taxis, ride share and hire cars | Indicator of point to point transport service quality |
|
| People, businesses and communities are connected through safe and reliable transport | Passenger satisfaction; public transport – people with disability | Subjective measure of passenger satisfaction of people with disability by public transport mode | Indicator of satisfaction with public transport services for people with disability |
|
| People, businesses and communities are connected through safe and reliable transport | Trust in the NSW Government to keep their personal data safe | Subjective measures of customers’ trust in government to keep personal data safe | Trust in government ability to securely protect personal data will improve the reliability of government data and help inform efficient service delivery |
|
| Government services are accessible, effective and integrated | Proportion of people who report having access to government services | Percentage of people who report having access to government services | Access to government services is essential for the broader community |
|
A sustainable NSW is a society that values its environment and heritage and manages natural resources responsibly. This means the environment and natural resources are managed so the interests of current and future generations are balanced; and energy systems are secure. A sustainable NSW is one where Aboriginal communities are supported to care for Country.
The NSW Outcomes that support this wellbeing theme comprise:
Table 1.8 - Potential performance indicators for the Sustainable theme
| NSW Outcome |
Indicator | Metric | Why this is important |
Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A secure and sustainable transition to a circular economy and Net Zero | Resource recovery rate | Overall recycling rate for NSW by financial year | Resource recovery is an important contributor to the circular economy |
|
| A secure and sustainable transition to a circular economy and Net Zero | Electricity generation from renewable sources | Percentage of electricity generated through renewable sources | Decarbonising the electricity sector will contribute towards achieving Net Zero |
|
| A secure and sustainable transition to a circular economy and Net Zero | NSW greenhouse gas emissions | Kilotons carbon dioxide equivalent emitted in NSW | Tracking emissions will monitor NSW’s performance towards achieving greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets |
|
| Communities and businesses reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change | Community concern of risks of natural disasters | Self-reported level of concern and impact of natural disaster on residential property | Insight into the impact and risk of natural disasters from a homeowner’s perspective |
|
| Natural resources are used productively and sustainably | Large mine rehabilitation | Tracks the annual re-assessments of mine rehabilitation cost estimates, to ensure security deposits are sufficient | Tracks whether the security required for each mine site is sufficient to ensure the NSW Government will not be liable for the cost of rehabilitating land |
|
| The environment and our heritage is protected, enhanced and enjoyed | Land managed for conservation | Number of hectares of public and private land that are managed for conservation: includes national parks and reserves, private land, Indigenous Protected Areas, and marine parks and aquatic reserves | Conservation ensures native species are protected, natural resources are used in an ecologically sustainable manner, enables use for research, provides opportunity for enjoyment and supports cultural uses |
|
| The environment and our heritage is protected, enhanced and enjoyed | National Park visitation | Number of domestic visits each year to National Parks | A measure of NSW people enjoying the environment |
|
| The environment and our heritage is protected, enhanced and enjoyed | Proportion of early responses to biosecurity incursions | Percentage of incursions detected early (that were deemed eradicable) and responded to within set timeframes | Management of biosecurity risks contributes to sustainable economic growth and protects the environment |
|
| The environment and our heritage is protected, enhanced and enjoyed | Water quality | The Water Quality Index is based on monitoring data collected from sites within each catchment | Monitoring the condition of water ensures aquatic resources can support biodiversity and human activities |
|
Table 1.9 below summarises First Nations related indicators and measures that either align to Closing the Gap or potential indicators that have a specific First Nations outcome, for easy reference.2 They are also listed in the Tables 1.1 to 1.8 under each wellbeing theme.
2 The term Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander is used where the primary data source uses this term.
Table 1.9 - Potential First Nations related indicators
| NSW Outcome |
Indicator | Metric | Why this is important |
Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| People receive timely, quality care in hospitals and the community | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life expectancy | Life expectancy in years at birth for Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander people | Aligns to Closing the Gap measure; indicator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enjoying long and healthy lives |
|
| People receive timely, quality care in hospitals and the community | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children born with a healthy birthweight | The proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies with a healthy birthweight | Aligns to Closing the Gap measure; indicator of early childhood development and maternal health |
|
| All children benefit from quality early childhood education and care | Proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are enrolled in a preschool program | Percentage of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children enrolled in preschool in the year before they start school | Aligns to Closing the Gap measure; indicator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children thriving in their early years |
|
| All children benefit from quality early childhood education and care | Proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children assessed as developmentally on track in all five domains of the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) | Percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children assessed as developmentally on track in all five domains of the AEDC | Aligns to Closing the Gap measure; indicator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children engaged in high quality, culturally appropriate early childhood education in their early years |
|
| All school students are supported to reach their full potential | Proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 20-24 years who have attained a minimum of Year 12 or equivalent qualification | Percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 20-24 years who have attained a minimum of Year 12 or equivalent qualification | Aligns to Closing the Gap measure; indicator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students reaching their full potential through further education pathways |
|
| Vocational education delivers the skills that people and businesses need | Proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-34 years who have completed a tertiary qualification (Certificate III and above) | Percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-34 years who have completed qualifications at Certificate level III or above | Aligns to Closing the Gap measure; indicator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students reaching their full potential through further education pathways |
|
| Vocational education delivers the skills that people and businesses need | Proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth aged 15-24 years who are fully engaged in employment, education or training | Percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth aged 15-24 years who are fully engaged in employment, education or training | Aligns to Closing the Gap measure; indicator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth engaged in employment or education |
|
| Quality housing solutions are sufficient and affordable | Proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in appropriately sized (not overcrowded) housing | Percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live in dwellings where no extra bedrooms are required to adequately house the usual residents | Aligns to Closing the Gap measure; indicator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people securing appropriate, affordable housing that is aligned with their priorities and need |
|
| Vulnerable people have access to suitable housing | Proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households receiving essential services that meet or exceed standards | Percentage of communities with greater than 50 per cent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents that have appropriate access to essential services | Aligns to Closing the Gap measure; indicator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people securing appropriate, affordable housing that is aligned with their priorities and need |
|
| Children and families are safe and supported | Children in out of home care (OOHC) who were restored and did not return | Children being restored with their parents or guardians who do not return within 12 months, by First Nations status | A measure to understand the longer-term restoration rate of children with their parents or guardians |
|
| Aboriginal voices are heard at the centre of government | Formal partnership arrangements in place to support Closing the Gap; enshrining agreed joint decision-making roles and responsibilities where people have chosen their own representatives | Number of partnership arrangements | Measures the extent to which Closing the Gap commitments and other formal partnerships towards self-determination for First Nations people have been met |
|
Wellbeing metrics should provide high level information on how we are tracking in different areas. Ideally, they should be established and accepted so current measures can be compared with past trends and those of other relevant jurisdictions. The Government is seeking feedback on whether these example wellbeing metrics reflect what the community values and would like to see reported in the budget.
Table 1.10 - Potential wellbeing metrics
| Wellbeing theme |
Indicator | Metric | Why this is important |
Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy | Life expectancy | Life expectancy in years at birth, including by First Nations status, regional/metro and gender | Life expectancy provides a longitudinal view of overall health trends |
 |
| Healthy | Self-assessed health | Survey question on how an individual feels about their health | Self-assessed health reflects individuals' perceptions of their own heatlh |
|
| Skilled | Children who meet early childhood developmental domains | Percentage of children assessed as developmentally on track in all five domains of the AEDC, by First Nations status | Assesses whether children starting their first year of school are developmentally on track, at risk or vulnerable |
|
| Skilled | Qualification attainment | Percentage of population with Year 12 or equivalent, or Certificate III and above | Education attainment is associated with positive employment outcomes |
|
| Skilled | Average Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) maths, science and reading scores | Student scores in maths, science and reading | Measures students’ literacy and numeracy against international standards |
|
| Prosperous | Gini coefficient | Ratio of income and wealth inequality across the population | A standard international measure of income and wealth inequality across the population |
 |
| Prosperous | Growth in real gross state product (GSP) per capita | Percentage change in GSP per person per year | Measures changes in the size of the NSW economy |
|
| Prosperous | Labour underutilisation rate | Percentage of people unemployed or underemployed | Measures the capacity in the labour market and whether people are working how they want to work |
|
| Housed | Housing costs (mortgage, rent, maintenance, etc) against gross income | Percentage of household income spent on housing | Helps us understand how much households are spending on housing |
|
| Housed | Home ownership | Percentage of an age cohort who own their own home | Home ownership is fundamental to secure housing |
|
| Housed | Neighbourhood satisfaction | Percentage of Household, Income and Labour Dynamics (HILDA) survey respondents who are satisfied with their neighbourhood | Feelings about local communities and places |
|
| Secure | Feeling of safety | Percentage of HILDA survey respondents who feel safe | General satisfaction with safety amongst the NSW public |
|
| Secure | Disaster preparedness | Percentage of survey respondents who are prepared for disaster | Resilience of the community to disasters |
|
| Community | Feeling part of local community | Percentage of HILDA survey respondents who feel part of their local community | Feeling a sense of belonging captures people’s self-reported quality of social networks |
|
| Community | Community volunteering | Percentage of HILDA survey respondents who allocate their time to volunteering | Community volunteering is essential for many community groups |
|
| Connected | Customer satisfaction with NSW Government services | Percentage of people surveyed who reported satisfaction with their experience interacting with Government services | Identify gaps in levels of satisfaction in government services between service lines, and between targeted groups and the wider population |
|
| Connected | Leisure time | Percentage of HILDA survey respondents who are satisfied with the amount of free time they have | Gauge people’s ability to allocate time as desired |
|
| Sustainable | Air quality | The Clean Air Metric (CAM) benchmarks the annual PM2.5 exposure across the State against the national annual standard of 8 μg/m3 | Gives insight into air pollution in NSW, which impacts respiratory health |
|
| Sustainable | Temperature anomalies | Deviation from average long-run temperature | Temperature is recognisable and relatable as well as acting as broad indicators of long-term environmental and climate trends |
|
We are seeking feedback at:
haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/performance-and-wellbeing
The NSW Government will undertake further consultation throughout 2024. Submissions are being sought to the Legislative Assembly inquiry by Friday 26 July 2024.
Submissions can be lodged on the NSW Parliament website:
parliament.nsw.gov.au
NSW Treasury pays respect to the Traditional Custodians and First Peoples of NSW and acknowledges their continued connection to country and culture.