A new parliamentary report has confirmed what many regional Victorians have long believed – the Allan Labor Government is failing to properly consult the community on major decisions, The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said today.
The Environment and Planning Committee has tabled its report following an inquiry into community consultation practices across Victoria, making 28 recommendations and delivering 63 findings.
The Committee received 133 submissions, held three days of public hearings and conducted two online community roundtables to examine how engagement with communities could be improved.
The inquiry found the Government’s Public Engagement Framework was not consistently applied across departments and agencies – a critical failure in ensuring communities are genuinely heard.
Ms Broad thanked all those who contributed to the inquiry.
“Your feedback and insights have helped shape the findings and recommendations of this report,” she said.
Ms Broad said the current Labor Government appeared to be “allergic to genuine consultation”.
“There are clear requirements, guidelines and standards for community consultation set out in the Public Engagement Framework, but these standards are simply not being met. In fact, we have seen the absolute opposite.”
The Committee heard concerning examples of non-disclosure agreements being enforced and consultation processes being shut down. The Municipal Association of Victoria was restricted from consulting with its own member councils.
Evidence also suggested consultants were being used to shield government from accountability, and in some cases communities were deliberately separated into ‘silos’ during engagement processes.
“In the disability sector, the government often uses the phrase ‘nothing about us without us’ – yet our committee heard that the opposite is happening,” Ms Broad said.
“Regional communities raised strong concerns about major transmission line and energy projects, saying they feel they have no real voice and that their rights are being overridden.”
The inquiry also received submissions regarding the Bendigo Showgrounds redevelopment following the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games. Community consultation was invited through Engage Victoria only after plans had already gone out to tender.
Ms Broad noted the Department of Premier and Cabinet did not make a submission to the inquiry or appear before it, despite the framework falling within its ministerial responsibility.
The report recommended making the application of the Public Engagement Framework mandatory for all departments, agencies and their consultants or contractors.
It also recommended strengthening the practical implementation of the framework to ensure engagement was undertaken early, transparently and with clear purpose.
Ms Broad said local knowledge was very important.
“You live there, you care about the community and your insights matter.
“I encourage everyone to read the full report on the Environment and Planning Committee website.”
Inquiry into Community Consultation Practices – Parliament of Victoria
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764
