Strengthening democracy

12 months ago today the January meeting of City of Onkaparinga was disrupted by protestors.

The controversial item on the agenda, that brought them to the public gallery, was the declaration of a climate emergency. The motion was put by a long standing and re-elected member of the Chamber Cr Marion Themeliotis. (When the meeting reconvened in February the motion was passed.)

Since that time individuals, community groups, schools, businesses and volunteers have continued to show their support for taking climate action. Throughout the year the Council's policies, programs, grant making and practices have taken more steps towards a more sustainable Onkaparinga. I would argue this would have happened with or without a declaration of a climate emergency and we were late to the party, with many more local councils making this declaration long before we did. Having this declaration though gives us courage, and confidence to keep going down this path for ourselves, the environment and future generations.

What we have also done since the disruption last January is build our knowledge and experience about how we can strengthen democrcay at the local level. When people feel marginalised and not included we are sowing the seeds of discontent. The 3 P's of this time are truly polarisation, populism and post-truth as so eloquently described by Moises Naim in his publication The Revenge of Power.

How we build trust and hope into our institutional responses to fear, fake news and straight out lies is far more than a communication or marketing challenge. It runs deep into the bedrock of what it means to be human. We need to feel connected, heard, that we belong, and we count.

As a mayor I am constantly nudging and coaching on how we as elected members and the systems that we lead can keep conversations going with civility and compassion. This means building safe places for those conversations to take place, holding each other to account for the decisions we make and ensuring the resources and infrastructure are in place to bring the outcomes we intend. Keeping a tone of respect is central.

Inoculating against othering is a critical element to strengthen democracy and it is a real challenge on the days when the disruptions and distractions are designed to be personal. Keeping up the fact checking and explaining what is and what isn't negotiable, what we can and can't do, helps hold truths. On my best days, I see these beautiful constraints as ways to boost our innovation and creativity.

Our democratic practices need to keep up with the speed of AI, social media algorithms, disruptive bots ... and speaking for myself ... this is a real challenge. I appreciate everyone who is working in cyber security.

Over the year I have had everything you would expect, hacks into my online accounts, death threats, abuse to my face and online, outrageous accusations. I have also had incredible support, accolades, challenging ideas, built deep and lasting friendships, learnt more about waste and bitumen than I could have ever imagined, visited community organisations I knew nothing about and have fallen in love with not the usual suspects. (that's the Rock Hounds, and a Model Railroaders Club in particular).

Only South Australia and Western Australia don't have compulsory voting in local government elections. I'm advocating for this reform, it will help inoculate against extremes and also bring more legitimacy to our level of government.

With only 25% of eligible voters casting a ballot last time in our City, anything we can do to increase participation I will support. The State Government is reviewing local council participation and engagement and the events of January 17, 2023 in our Council are informing that review. Our submission to the review is receiving its finishing touches and will be on the agenda for our next meeting.

If you want to add your thoughts to this State Government consultation here.

#localgovernment #democracy #climate #citizenship