Adopting a new Good Governance framework, Greater Bendigo council is focusing on policy development and strategic delivery of services in the public interest.
Mayor Andrea Metcalf says the Framework provides the community with confidence in our Council, Councillors, and the organisation.
“A set of principles within this framework outline how Councillors and staff will act. Appropriate behaviour at all times is essential and is also an important contributor to establishing a desired culture within the organisation for Councillors and staff,” Mayor Metcalf says.
“Leadership and culture are critical to good governance. By proactively and consistently applying our principles and upholding the vision, positive leadership and culture will be created and maintained which will promote and sustain good governance for the municipality.”
The Framework outlines what good governance is, why it is important, how it will be applied and the City’s vision and principles of good governance.
The Framework principles are:
- Accountable – council has an obligation to report, explain and be answerable for the consequences of decisions to those they represent
- Transparent – the community should be able to clearly see how and why a decision was made
- Compliant with rule of law – decisions made are consistent with relevant legislation or administrative law (particularly the presumption for natural justice) and are within the powers of the decision-maker
- Responsive – interacting with community members in an informed, timely, appropriate and responsive manner
- Equitable and inclusive – serve the needs of the entire community – all groups, particularly the most under-represented or marginalised, should feel their interests have been considered
- Effective and efficient – implement decisions and follow processes that make the best use of the available people, resources and time to ensure the best possible results for our community
- Participatory – Anyone affected by or interested in a decision should have opportunities to have their voice heard whilst understanding that competing interests are inevitable, valid and must be balanced
