Council has committed to applying an equity lens to its operations with the adoption of its first integrated social policy, ‘A fair Hobsons Bay for all 2019-2023’.
Joint portfolio holder for Social Wellbeing and Community Services Councillor Tony Briffa said the policy provides a framework guiding Council decisions and activities to enable equitable opportunities for the community to access resources, be valued and contribute.
“This policy acknowledges that the world is not a level playing field and that certain groups, such as younger and older people; people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; people with a disability; women and girls; and people that are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual (LGBTIQA+) and gender diverse communities,” said Cr Briffa.
“We also recognise the ivtersectionalities between these groups.
“As a socially just organisation, it is our responsibility to ensure that we take these factors into consideration to ensure that no one gets left behind in the decisions we make.”
‘A fair Hobsons Bay for all’ incorporates five themes:
- designing and building for fair access
- an inclusive and equitable place
- fair opportunities for participation in the economic environment
- a natural environment that can be accessed and enjoyed by all
- leadership as a socially just organisation
Joint portfolio holder for Social Wellbeing and Community Services Councillor Colleen Gates said that the policy would be implemented through a four-year action plan in partnership with the community, local businesses, state and federal governments and other stakeholders to influence policy outcomes.
“Integrating what was previously five different policies into the one encourages us to think beyond single categories and to acknowledge that individuals within the community may experience various layers of disadvantage,” said Cr Gates.
“Through the adoption of this policy we are cementing our commitment to creating fair access and opportunities in the built, social, economic and natural environments through Council activities and governing in a way which is fair for all members of the community.”
