Making your voice count: A new plan for honest consultation

Bloomfield calls for stronger consultation records to rebuild trust in Council

MOTION WAS PASSED

Alderman Louise Bloomfield has called for stronger, clearer and more accountable community consultation practices at the City of Hobart, saying public trust depends on people being able to see not only that they were asked, but that they were heard. Alderman Bloomfield has released a Notice of Motion seeking a review of how Council records and verifies community engagement, particularly where one-on-one interviews or in-person discussions may inform policy or decision-making.

The motion asks Council to explore practical technology solutions, including secure audio recording, digital notes or transcript-based approaches, as well as mechanisms for participants to review and confirm their input as a true and accurate record.

“Good consultation is not simply asking a question,” Alderman Bloomfield said.

“It is asking the right people, in the right way, at the right time, and being honest about how their answers will be used.”

Alderman Bloomfield said the motion builds on her broader concern that trust in government is weakened when people feel decisions have already been made before they are invited to comment.

“We are seeing, in Australia and overseas, what happens when people feel institutions are no longer listening,” she said. “The public’s right to say no is an important democratic safeguard. But healthy democracy cannot live on no alone. Eventually, every no must be followed by a better yes.”

"It is small wonder that the public is looking for new champions in the political scene as current elected members in all levels of Government support a serial deafness to community concerns. How many more public meetings protesting big issues such as the UTAS move and Cable Car should the public need to supply in order to be heard?"

Alderman Bloomfield said local government has a particular responsibility to rebuild confidence because it deals with the daily texture of people’s lives: roads, rates, rubbish, planning, streets, parks, businesses, safety, access and community facilities.

“People can forgive a difficult decision if they believe it was made honestly,” she said.

“They are far less forgiving when consultation feels like theatre, or when the public cannot see how their feedback was recorded, considered or reflected in the final outcome.”

The Notice of Motion asks that the upcoming review of the City of Hobart Community Engagement Framework 2023 include consideration of improved recording and verification processes, legal and privacy issues, consent requirements, and options including costs and benefits.

Alderman Bloomfield said the proposal is not about criticising past consultation, but about lifting the standard for the future.

“There are two problems we need to address,” she said.

“The first is when people say they were not consulted, even when Council did provide opportunities. A clearer record protects the community and protects Council.

“The second is when consultation technically occurs, but the questions asked do not draw out the practical knowledge, lived experience and local insight that people are trying to offer."

“Consultation should not be a checkbox. It should be a genuine civic conversation.”

Alderman Bloomfield said the proposal would help strengthen transparency, accountability and community confidence.

“Hobart deserves a consultation process people can trust,” she said.

“That means clear records, fair questions, proper consent, and honest reporting back.

“If we want people to say yes to the future of our city, we must first show them that their voices matter.”