OPINION

In any local government, there are two essential layers of conversation – the discussions happening within council and the everyday chatter in the community.

Both serve as vital barometers for public sentiment, yet too often, these conversations occur in silos, leading to misunderstandings when one side assumes the worst about the other.

A recent debate in Kiama highlights this issue. Following my article, Kiama’s Future is Shaped by Transparency, there has been concern among councillors that greater transparency could impact their briefing sessions.

These are closed meetings where they receive information and ask questions before formal council meetings.

At the same time, members of the community are worried that this could limit public access sessions, which provide a crucial forum for residents to raise concerns directly with council.

Rather than a conflict, this is a case of differing perspectives on the same issue.

The NSW Minister for Local Government has been clear that transparency reforms aim to strengthen public trust by reducing confidential, behind-closed-doors decision-making, particularly in cases where key debates should happen in open council meetings.

The intention is not to disrupt councillor briefing sessions, which are designed for information-sharing, but rather to ensure that significant policy discussions and decisions take place in public forums.

Both briefing sessions and public access sessions serve essential roles in good governance. Briefing sessions equip councillors with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions, while public access sessions provide a platform for community voices to be heard.

These processes complement each other. 

The way forward is recognising that different perspectives come from different priorities.

Councillors benefit from staying connected to community discussions, just as the community plays a vital role in engaging constructively with their representatives.

Good governance is built on transparency, but transparency is more than just making information available, it’s about ensuring people feel heard, understood, and respected.

Kiama’s current discussion is a reminder that when we take the time to listen, to councillors, to the community, and to the intent behind reforms , we can strengthen trust and make local government work better for everyone.