A step toward transparency
I, like many others, have been critical of the performance of Council and, in particular, in the chamber at Council meetings where community members have been, on occasions, silenced. Why aren’t our Council meetings webcast when many other councils in Victoria like Bendigo do broadcast their ordinary meetings?
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A benefit of webcasting would be to enhance the perception of Council as a transparent and accessible organisation. Council allows reporters and TV cameras into the meetings, so why not broadcast them for the general community?
I have heard all the reasons why Council wouldn't want to introduce broadcasting. For example, it would increase both Council's and councillors' risks in relation to defamation action and potentially increase legal costs, even when Council is not a party to any court proceedings. And, of course, there is the cost of establishing such a facility. Not to mention councillors' and officers' accountability.
But if we are to have an accountable and responsible Council, its public meetings should not only be accessible through personal attendance in this digital age in the 21st century but also via various digital platforms and radio.
Ballarat was one of the first communities to have access to the NBN, so why aren't we capitalising on this cutting-edge technology to enhance Council's accountability to the community?
The broadcasting of Council meetings would also serve to improve the conduct of councillors and officers. Knowing that they are being watched and listened to by many in the community, councillors would be conscious of making sure they assiduously uphold the ethical and legal behaviour they are required to exercise in accordance with the Code of Conduct they signed when elected.
Our councillors and the Council administration must be able to withstand scrutiny. The ratepayers, as shareholders of the community, have a fundamental right to access decision-making and processes that affect them. It is democracy at work, fought hard for right here in Ballarat at Eureka 162 years ago.
Ron Egeberg Central ward Candidate
