Introduction

Purpose

This policy outlines how the Council and the City will ensure that it meets its obligations under section 57 and section 58 of the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act).

Why is transparency important?

Transparent decision making promotes a positive and productive relationship between the Council and the City and the community. It allows the community to have a greater sense of ownership and connection to decisions made by the Council and the City. More so than at any other level of government local councils provide the opportunity for citizens to engage with decision making directly affecting them and their communities.

Transparent decision making in local government supports accountability encourages high performance and also increases public confidence in councils and their processes and decisions. Individuals will not always agree with Council or City decisions but transparency allows them to understand the reasoning in the decision-making process.

Openness accountability integrity and honesty are essential to build high levels of trust amongst our community and enables fully informed engagement in the democratic process. Without transparency effective community engagement planning financial management and any number of other council responsibilities cannot be properly performed.

Public tranparency principles

One of the overarching principles of the Act is that “the transparency of Council decisions actions and information is to be ensured” (section 9(2)(i)).

Section 58 of the Act states the public transparency principles that must be applied to all aspects of a council’s operations and decision making as follows:

1. Council decision making processes must be transparent except when the Council is dealing with information that is confidential by virtue of this Act or any other Act;
2. Council information must be publicly available unless—
1. the information is confidential by virtue of this Act or any other Act; or
2. public availability of the information would be contrary to the public interest;
3. Council information must be understandable and accessible to members of the municipal community;
4. public awareness of the availability of Council information must be facilitated.

Scope

This policy applies to the Council and anyone carrying out delegated duties or functions of the Council including Councillors City staff members of Delegated Committees or Advisory Committees volunteers and those on work experience.

Definitions

City - The City of Greater Geelong organisation led by the CEO.

Council - The Greater Geelong City Council compris