Progressing a Sustainable-world: A Case study of the South Australian Government

Don Clifton

doi:10.5539/jsd.v4n1p3

Abstract

This paper discusses a component of a current research project that is concerned with what it means for humanity to live sustainably, that is, for there to be a sustainable-world, and how this might be achieved. Specifically, the paper presents the findings of a case study of the South Australian Government's (SAG's) sustainable-world approach. Of the two main sustainable-world approaches evident in the literature – the Reformist approach, which is consistent with mainstream sustainable-development, and the Transformational approach – the SAG's policies, plans, and goals are shown to be, for the most, consistent with Reformism. Two main exceptions are noted, namely the SAG's population and defence industry strategies, both of which are shown to be challenging to reconcile with either the Reformist or Transformational approaches. The findings also show that, from an Ecological-Footprint perspective, the South Australian community is not living sustainably within the global context. Despite the SAG's claims of sustainability leadership, its Ecological-Footprint goal will, even if achieved, see the South Australian community continue this unsustainable way of life.

Highlights

This paper discusses a component of a current research project that is concerned with what it means for humanity to live sustainably, that is, for there to be a sustainable-world, and how this might be achieved (for an overview of the entire Project, see Clifton (2010c))
Sustainability terms are at times used by the South Australian Government (SAG) in ways that are backed by an explanation of meaning and/or formal definition, more often than not they appear as undefined common language within a general sustainability narrative
This paper has reported on the findings of a case study of the South Australian Government's (SAG's) sustainable-world approach

Summary

Introduction

This paper discusses a component of a current research project (the Project) that is concerned with what it means for humanity to live sustainably, that is, for there to be a sustainable-world, and how this might be achieved (for an overview of the entire Project, see Clifton (2010c)). The purpose of this case study is: (a) to identify, in a practical setting, areas of confirmation or discrepancy with the Q1 findings, and (b) to consider initiatives at the local level in terms of a global sustainable-world goal. This gives rise to a two-part SAG case study question: Q2(a) – what sustainable-world approach is the SAG pursuing?, and Q2(b) – in the light of the Q1 findings, what implications arise from the SAG's approach in respect to its contribution to, or detraction from, a global sustainable-world goal? The SAG is an instructive example as: (a) it is democratically elected and, in this sense, has a purpose to act in the interests of its constituents (Parkin, 2006), (b) it holds itself out as a sustainability leader (SAG, 2007v, 2008e, 2008f, 2008j), and (c) it has broad constitutional powers to pass legislation and pursue policy initiatives within South Australia's borders (SA, 2003a)

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Conclusion