Our Mutual Respect Charter is based on the principle of mutual respect and cooperation and supports our values of providing a safe and respectful workplace. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of the community, Councillors and staff in all Council-related interactions.
The Charter sets out a shared responsibility for:
- Safe workplace expectations for our staff in dealing with the community and our customers.
- Our commitment to serving the community and what people can expect when interacting with Council and its staff.
The Charter reads
The community has the right and responsibility to:
- Be treated with courtesy and respect.
- Be given reasons that explain decisions affecting them.
- A fair and impartial assessment based on the facts and merits of the matter.
- A timely response.
- Express their opinions in ways that are respectful and lawful.
- A fair hearing.
- Communicate valid concerns and views without fear of reprisal.
- Access Council’s complaints handling policy.
- Be informed about the actions taken and outcome of their complaint.
Councillors and staff have the right and responsibility to:
- Be treated with courtesy and respect.
- A safe and healthy working environment.
- Expect honesty, cooperation and reasonable assistance from the community.
- Zero tolerance on verbal abuse, offensive behaviour, threats and violence.
- Provide reasons for decisions, and ensure that decisions are subject to appropriate review processes.
- Be clear on how the matter will be handled, including compliance to statutory and/or legislative processes.
- Modify, curtail or decline service in response to unacceptable behaviour which because of its nature or frequency raises health, safety, resource or equity issues.