Council confirms social justice commitment

Council has adopted a Social Justice Charter to outline its commitment to the principles of fairness, equity and inclusiveness.

Mayor Tony Wellington said staff developed the new Charter in consultation with the Community Roundtable, a Council-assembled group made up of representatives from a wide range of State agencies, welfare groups, service organisations and charities.

“We wanted to ensure the Charter not only aligned with the themes contained in our Social Strategy, but that it also reflected the community’s expectations of Council,” he said.

“The Charter is a high-level but very important document. The principles contained in the declaration will underpin and inform almost all of Council’s activities. For example, the Charter will help guide how we allocate Council grants and determine fees, charges and rates. It will also inform budget decisions and the types of services we deliver for young people and seniors.

“Of course, it will also help our Community Services Department prioritise its work.

“The Social Justice Charter is a sort of contract between the Council and the community we serve. It notes that we are committed to implementing services and providing policies that decrease inequity, promote inclusiveness and foster resilience in the community,” the Mayor said.

“Library programs such as First 5 Forever, adult literacy, Coding Club and Tech Savvy Seniors have been very popular and are clear proof that Council takes its social responsibilities seriously. Of course we also distribute more than $800,000 in community grants, and we have assisted community groups to access more than $600,000 in external grants.

“The John’s Landing project was another clear example of Council’s commitment to the principles contained in the Social Justice Charter. With assistance from the Community Roundtable, we found homes for 90 people, including children, that were living rough at that isolated site.

“All of this effort is aimed at community wellbeing, which lies at the heart of the Social Justice Charter.”

17 August 2018