Influences on decision making

There are 4 major influences on decision making in communities that can used to help determine the outcome of the decision, these include:

1. Legislation

When a law is passed by the government it is then known as LEGISLATION.

Legislation will guide and influence community decisions. There are local government, state government and Commonwealth / Federal government laws that communities must consider when making decisions. The reason that legislation exists is to protect or support community members. If a decision is going to be made which will affect the wellbeing of community members it is the influence of legislation that may prevent the decision. Legislation will protect the rights of community members and in doing so enhance or maintain community wellbeing. Examples: Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 (Cth), Employment Protection Act 1982 (NSW).

2. Environmental Factors

Human activity can impact on the environment, so it needs to be considered whenever a decision is to be made. By protecting the environment, we are also protecting the wellbeing of community members. There is legislation in place that protects the environment The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) , which in turn influences community decisions. The protection and management of the physical environment is the responsibility of government, community-based groups and owners of properties. Environmental issues relate to pollution, recycling and energy conservation. Historical buildings, streetscapes, parks and gardens, and places of historical significance are also preserved and protected by heritage legislation. This means that councils and community decisions would need to consider the impact on the environment before making a decision.

3. Lobbying

Lobbying is when an individual or group contacts a member of the government in an attempt to influence a decision.

People form lobbing groups to get their point across. The more people who express concern about an issue the more likely action will be taken. Groups can apply pressure by being organised, knowing the facts and being well informed about the issues, by providing alternatives and showing how decisions may affect current and future generations, lobbying groups can influence decisions. Gaining community petitions by getting a list signed by people who care or are concerned about a particular issue and giving it to a particular group making the decision. For example developing a petition to stop the heritage building getting demolished, as it is a local icon

Lobby groups use a variety of methods to gain exposure for example applying pressure to consumers to support their cause (i.e. environmentally friendly products), community forums (to inform members of the facts), rallies, media exposure, elaborate stunts (abseiling buildings to hang banners, climbing aboard a warship, protest walks), or prepare petitions to present to members in parliament.

4. Protesting

Protesting can be defined as: an expression or declaration of objection, disapproval, or dissent, often in opposition to something a person is powerless to prevent or avoid: a protest against increased taxation.

The National Capital has many public places where people can exercise their right to communicate their opinions and ideas through peaceful protests and demonstrations. Our democracy recognises this right which is subject to the general law and must be balanced against the rights and interests of others and of the community as a whole.

Of paramount importance are the protection of public safety, the maintenance of peace and the facilitation of fair and equal access to public areas.

Legally Blonde 2

In the movie, Harvard Law graduate, Elle Woods, travels to Washington D.C. to pass a bill (Bruiser's Bill) to put an end to animal testing after she finds out that her dog's mother is used for testing at a cosmetic company that is represented by her law firm.

Activity:

Using the information above and exerts from Legally Blonde Two, complete the following:

1. Explain the Legislation that Elle Woods in ‘Legally Blonde 2’ was trying to pass through senate.

2. Explain how environmental factors could impact on the decision of Bruisers Bill in Legally Blonde

3. Provide an example from ‘Legally Blonde 2’ to demonstrate how Elle Woods was lobbying to various members and describe how she used a community petition to get her message across.

4. Explain how protesting was used in ‘Legally Blonde 2’ to support ‘Bruisers Bill’. In your response, describe how the protest was carried out.

Decision Making Processes

Arbitration

1. Arbitration

• Process that seeks to resolve a dispute.

• Evidence presented by both parties

• Discussion made by arbitrator → decision is legally binding.

Activity:

1. Nominate three abritators

2. Divide class into two teams

3. Consider the decision:

The 11pm one passenger rule for P- plate drivers should be removed.

4. Present your case to the arbitrators. The arbitrators will then make the decision based on what they have heard. The decision will stand and cannot be appealed.

2. Consensus

• Aims to include everyone in the decision- making process.

• Opinions are discussed and any objections are resolved so that widespread agreement is achieved without taking a vote.

• Aiming for a win win outcome.

Activity:

1. Nominate a class chairperson

2. Topic: Deciding on a day to conduct a CAFS after school study session (once a week)

3. Procedure:

   • Chairperson announce that a decision will be made through consensus. We are striving for a win win solution. This may involve some members comprising or making changing to their current schedule in order to assist the group in reaching a consensus.

   • Each person/ group of people put forward their preference.

   • At selected intervals, the chairperson will test for consensus.

   • Continue with this process until everyone is in agreement.

3. Election/ voting

• The election process gives individuals an opportunity to express their views and to be involved in the decision making process by voting for one option over another.

• A vote is a formal expression of an individual's choice in a decision- making process.

Activity:

1. Vote for the best NRL team (Broncos, Eels, Titans, Storm, Roosters, Raiders, Manly, Tigers, Knights, Cowboys, Bulldogs, Warriors, Dragons, Sharks, Panthers, Rabbitohs)

2. Presiding officer: ____________ (supervises election process and vote counting).

3. Vote and place ballot paper in the box

4. Vote counters: _________________________

5. Announce winner

4. Referendum

• Vote to change the constitution.

• Change can only come about if there is a double majority vote. This means that more than 50% of the population have the same vote in four or more states (four out of seven states= over half).

• Differs from a regular vote where it is “first past the post”.

• Same process as election/ voting.

• Examples - Legalising same-sex marriage, whether Australia should be a republic.

Examine the various links below to help you answer the following four questions:

1. Identify the role of individuals and groups.

2. What factors influenced the decision making process? (legislation, lobbying, protesting, environmental factors)

3. What processes were employed to make the decision? (arbitration, consensus, voting/election, referendum).

4. What was the outcome?