Announcement

We are committed to being accessible and responsive to our community and members of the public and value respectful relationships.

At the 5 October 2021 Council Meeting a Mutual Respect Charter was adopted to support a key principle of providing a safe and respectful workplace. It is based on the principle of mutual respect and cooperation. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of the community, Councillors and staff in all Council-related interactions.

The Charter reads:

The community has the right and responsibility to:

• Be treated with courtesy and respect
• Be given reasons that explain decisions affecting them
• A fair and impartial assessment based on the facts and merits of the matter
• A timely response
• Express their opinions in ways that are respectful and lawful
• A fair hearing
• Communicate valid concerns and views without fear of reprisal
• Access Council’s complaints management policy
• Be informed about the actions taken and outcome of their complaint

Councillors and staff have the right and responsibility to:

• Be treated with courtesy and respect
• A safe and healthy working environment
• Expect honesty, cooperation and reasonable assistance from the community
• Zero tolerance on verbal abuse, offensive behaviour, threats and violence
• Provide reasons for decisions, and ensure that decisions are subject to appropriate review processes
• Be clear on how the matter will be handled, including compliance to statutory and/or legislative processes
• Modify, curtail or decline service in response to unacceptable behaviour which because of its nature or frequency raises health, safety, resource or equity issues