It is amusing to read a piece called ‘Using transparency to build trust’ by PwC; it reminds you that they should have followed their own advice.
There has been a deficit in trust following the Covid pandemic and the 2022 flood recovery, but now there is a chance for councils and councillors throughout the Northern Rivers to work together to rebuild trust, both directly with their constituents and with each other.
While doing deals ‘behind closed doors’ might make you feel like a mover and shaker, it can lead to alienation and a loss of trust for the public.
Throughout the region, from Byron to Kyogle to Lismore, there has been frustration because often councils, their staff, and councillors have a particular set of objectives which they push regardless of community concerns.
Low trust environments
According to the OECD 2024 report, ‘Survey on Drivers of Trust in Public Institutions’ (www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/trustingovernment.html), ‘continued low trust environments not only damage social cohesion and political participation, but also limit governments’ ability to function effectively and respond to complex domestic and global challenges.’
Whether at a federal, state or local level, trust in the people who are governing is key to effective outcomes.
‘Public trust is a pillar of democracy,’ the OECD study continues, ‘fostering debate and participation, encouraging compliance with the law, and facilitating reforms.
In the face of major environmental, demographic, fiscal and technological challenges, governments need to step up their efforts to strengthen trust, govern effectively and secure democratic resilience.’
Effective community engagement
After the recent council elections many ratepayers and voters are looking to their local councillors to step forward with effective leadership and to build trust so that communities can get the best outcomes. This requires effective community engagement.
According to Jack Welch, the late CEO of GE, ‘Trust happens when leaders are transparent’ – by increasing transparency there is an opportunity for leaders to build trust.
If councillors play political games with each other, draw party politics into local council, and fail to engage respectfully, then people will not trust their intentions. We don’t need personal animosity to get in the way of actual good policy.
We need leaders who are able to learn from their mistakes, set aside their personal and political aspirations, and put their community first.
Aslan Shand, editor
News tips are welcome: [email protected]
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