Regional Guide Release a display of Independent's Success
Judy Hannan MP Member for Wollondilly has welcomed the release of a new guide to strengthen consultation practices with regional, rural and remote communities across the state, by the Minns Labor Government today.
Judy Hannan MP said the Regional Communities Consultation Guide was a positive outcome for regional communities as it set clear benchmarks for the Government’s approach to consulting with regional rural and remote communities, including Aboriginal communities and meant that better, more informed decisions would be made.
The release of the Guide follows the introduction of the Regional Communities (Consultation Standards) Act 2024, by Independent Member for Barwon, Roy Butler MP.
In a state first this legislation enshrines that compliance with the guide is required for certain consultations, setting a clear standard that those affected by decisions should be involved in the decision-making process.
Judy Hannan MP congratulated their fellow Independent Member, Roy Butler and the Minns Labor Government for working together and in consultation with rural community representatives to address the barriers which have historically faced regional engagement with Government consultations.
The Guide is informed by in-depth stakeholder engagement across regional and rural communities, to ensure the priorities and expectations of regional, rural and remote communities are reflected. This included direct engagement with peak organisations including; the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Local Government NSW, the Country Mayors Association, the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation and the Central NSW Joint Organisation.
Further, around 200 stakeholders participated in eight regional listening sessions held in Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga, Nowra, Lismore, Port Macquarie, Newcastle, Narrabri and Bourke.
The guide, will now be rolled out across agencies for immediate use and can be downloaded along with a detailed engagement summary here: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/consultation-regional-communities.
Judy Hannan MP Member for Wollondilly said:
“The release of this guide is a positive step in the right direction, and I welcome the Government’s action in ensuring solutions in our communities are informed by the people who are most impacted by their outcomes.
“As a member of an electorate that stretches over the regional community of the Southern Highlands, I know that communication and engagement needs to be catered to ensure the largest impact.
“The good news is the guide sets standards which ensures the Government of any persuasion must listen and communicate and is yet another win for the independent cross bench.
Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:
“No-one knows what a local community needs better than the people who actually call that place home – that’s what this is about, ensuring that the people impacted by the decisions we make are a part of the decision making process.
“It’s a commonsense step, which I’m grateful Roy brought to the table because I genuinely think our state will be stronger for it.
“Every community is different, from large regional centres to small remote villages and the people within these communities are equally different and diverse too, our engagement and solutions as a government should reflect that.”
NSW Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“This guide – underpinned by transparency, accountability, and best practice – is a reflection of what regional, rural and remote communities have told us they want from NSW Government agencies.
“Effective community and stakeholder engagement is fundamental to good governance.
“This new guide demonstrates our commitment to improving consultation practices.”