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East Gippsland Shire Council adopts new charter to promote a respectful community for all

Council acts to promote a respectful community for all‍.

By news@gippsland - 19th October 2021 - Back to News

A new charter that emphasises the importance of mutual respect between East Gippsland Shire Council staff, councillors and customers has been endorsed by Council. The Mutual Respect Charter is based on the principles of mutual respect, cooperation and a safe and respectful workplace, and outlines the rights and responsibilities of community members, councillors and staff in all Council-related interactions.

Current and former East Gippsland Shire Councillors, seated from the left, Cr Trevor Stow, Mayor Mendy Urie, and Deputy Mayor, Cr Mark Reeves, standing from left, Cr Sonia Buckley, Cr Tom Crook, Cr Jane Greacen OAM, Cr Arthur Allen, Cr Kirsten Van Diggele and Cr John White

Being accessible and responsible

Mayor Cr Mendy Urie welcomed the adoption of the new charter, describing it as a 'very important piece of policy'. "This is a charter that encourages people to be considerate towards others and clearly documents expectations around behaviour and courtesy when interacting with council. It's about everyone respecting each other," Cr Urie said.

The charter commits council to being accessible and responsive to the community and members of the public, to value respectful relationships with community and customers, and to respond to community member requests in a timely, fair and open manner.

Expectation of a fair and impartial assessment

Cr Urie said, "It's important for our organisation and our customers that reasons are given that explain decisions, and there is an expectation of a fair and impartial assessment made based on the facts and merits of matters raised with council."

"We want the community to feel comfortable in communicating its concerns and views without fear of reprisal. Likewise, council staff have a right to a respectful, safe and healthy working environment free from verbal abuse, offensive behaviour, threats and violence." Cr Urie said.

You can read the charter at the East Gippsland Shire code of conduct page.

Pictures from East Gippsland Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com