Speaker, hon Minister, there can be no doubt that challenges such as climate change, energy supply, food security and structural inequalities such as systemic poverty require longer-term planning. The absence of a coherent and clearly articulated long-term strategic plan has negatively impacted upon government's ability to provide clear and consistent plans across all sectors.
The ACDP trusts that this Green Paper will start to address this matter and put an end to short-term planning and lack of co-ordination that has seen many good policies flounder due to defective implementation. It is also necessary to involve independent experts, strategic thinkers and think tanks to determine the country's long-term planning priorities and to draw up a national strategic plan.
The ACDP appreciates that this document is intended to elicit a national discussion and that wide consultation will be held before mapping out a long-term vision for the country. We support this initiative, Minister, and we will participate in its process. I thank you. [Applause.]