Good governance is about transparent decision making that follows predefined set of rules or process. Transparent process needs to be observable, measurable and accountable. Our elected Councilors (representatives) need to be accountable for the decisions they make, as they are servants, caretakers and leaders working for the common good of all rate-payers. Finally, our Councilors should be representative of the people they serve. That means being inclusive and consultative during the process that makes up decision making.
My current concern is, do the councillors really represent me? Can I really access my elected councillor who is my proxy on the council? From my recent and personal experience, no. In last 12 months I wanted to raise my concerns around the parking issues in the Toowoomba CBD area where I work and seek information about process in regards to town planning. I was stopped at the council reception by loyal and well meaning staff. On both occasions I asked to speak to the councillors responsible for parking regulation and town planning, and was told that I couldn’t access the councillors, so I asked to speak to the staff working in those portfolios, again no. I asked for contact details, either for a councillor or staff, again no. What I got, was on one occasion a handout on town planning, which gave me much to do about nothing and the second occasion a relayed message from a staffer who refused to see me. I must point out, I’m not a very menacing fellow in my professional garb of long sleeve shirt and tie, but still I went away feeling like I was a misbehaving child for daring to ask for something more than I was entitled to. I want my councillors to be approachable and representative on the rare occasion I do want to excise my democratic right to be heard.
As a result, I feel for rate-payers who live outside of Toowoomba, if I can’t excise my democratic right to access a councillor what chance do they have? A test of transparency, consultation, communication and therefore good governance is whether you can list off what each councillor has achieved during the last term of office? If like me, sadly probably not, because they don’t come from where you live. It makes it difficult to really judge, the merits of an individual councillor and that makes them less accountable for the decisions they make. I believe we need reconsider the electoral divisions in our region. As a citizen, I want to be able to voice my opinion and get a hearing from my elected representative. Elected representatives need to come from where we live. Local government should be democracy in action because your decisions are very up close and personal, so it means you better consult with your fellow citizens and get it right.
We also need new rules for transparent dealings and a process which must include community consultation and communication. If we get governance right, then current confrontational disputes such as economic stimulation, community representation, town planning, regulated parking, access to housing, environmental and heritage protection should not be issues they currently are in the minds of the rate-payers.
Therefore, I want to offer transparent government that listens to its citizens it serves. I plan to bring balance and consultation to Council.
Some of my platform on good governance includes:
· Support for a model of representation that ensure representation from each geographical area of our community
· Ensure each councilor is involved with a portfolio as well as representing a division or ward
· Redevelopment of published criteria for transparent decision making
· A Councilor to declare any political affiliation or donations.
· Transparency in decision making
· Wide consultation processes developed and reference groups or boards developed to support portfolio owners.
· Communication needs to be through a variety of media channels.
· Reviewed planning process that gives
