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Decision making in communities
Decision making in communities
Those in leadership positions have significant power to make decisions that affect the interests of members of the community. It is important that sound, fair and consistent decision-making is evident in all areas.
Influences on decision making
Influences on decision making
Legislation
Legislation
Governments are responsible for the development and implementation of laws. Proposed laws are introduced into parliament as bills, which are then debated on and voted on. When passed by members of both houses of parliament, they become laws - this is the legislative process. It is the laws that provide the guidelines for local, state and national community decision-making; for example, land-use zones, protection of the natural environment, noise pollution, child protection and industrial relations.
Environmental Factors
Environmental Factors
Communities have resources available to help carry out tasks and reach goals. Decisions about these resources need to be made after considering their impact on the environment. It is now more common for communities to experience value conflicts in their decision-making if decisions will contribute to negative effects on the environment.
Activity:
You need to select one of the local community proposals below to research. All of the proposals have been through Central Coast Council and have either been approved, are currently being reviewed/amended or are in the consultation process.
You are to research;
What is the proposal being put forward?
What roles have individuals and/or groups played in this proposal?
What factors influenced the decision making process?
What process was employed to make the decision?
What is/was the outcome and/or potential outcome of the decision?
Present this as a poster, pamphlet, handout or infographic.
LOCAL PROPOSALS
Riverside Wagga Beach
Wagga Active Travel Plan
Pomingalarna Cycle tracks
Wagga Botanic Gardens
Lake Albert
Lobbying and Community Petitions
Lobbying and Community Petitions
Lobbying occurs when a group of people try to influence the decisions of local, state or federal policymakers. This can be achieved through the writing of letters, emails or text messages, creating banners and organising protest rallies.
Community petitions are a form of lobbying in which individuals sign their names in support of an issue.
Protesting
Protesting
A protest is a declaration of disapproval. It often declares opposition to a behaviour or act that a person is otherwise limited in their ability to prevent or avoid. In Australia people can exercise their right to communicate their opinions and ideas in peaceful protests and demonstrations in public places.
Decision making processes
Decision making processes
The type of decision-making process selected will be influenced by a number of factors. These include;
The nature of the issue
The complexity of the decision
The target group involved
Resource availability - amount of money and time
Arbitration
Arbitration
Arbitration is a process that seeks to resolve a dispute. Firstly evidence is presented and a discussion is had between the different parties. Then a ruling is made by the chairperson (arbitrator). The decision is legally binding
Consensus
Consensus
Consensus aims to include everyone in the decision-making process. Options are discussed and any objections are resolved so that widespread agreement is achieved without taking a vote.
Election
Election
The election process gives individuals an opportunity to express their views and be involved in the decision-making process by choosing (voting) for one option over another. The choice may be public (seen) or private (unseen).
Voting
Voting
Voting is a formal expression of an individual's choice in a decision-making process. It may be for or against a proposed motion, a certain candidate, a selection of candidates, or a political party.
Referendum
Referendum
A referendum aims to include all adults in an electorate in the decision-making for an important policy proposal or change in the constitution. It requires the support of a two-thirds majority to be successful. The declaration of change can only come about if there is a double majority vote. This means that more than half of the population need to agree to the change and half of all the states need to agree to the change. E.g. In Australia this means four or more states/territories and 50% of the population need to agree to the change.
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