The word ‘consultation’ conjures up different meanings for all of us, however the Cambridge Dictionary defines it as ‘discussing something with someone to get their advice or opinion on’. Regardless of which definition you use, all require you to be ‘involved’.
Varieties and expectations around consultations can be wide ranging, as well as extremely complex. One that has caused confusion and social media commentary, surrounds the Cooloola Great Walk (CGW). Amongst the usual processes and considerations, there is Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUA’s), a Native Title claim, two levels of government, two state electorates, two local governments, as well as two very different cultural backgrounds. There have been questions to our office surrounding the level and type of consultation between Kabi Kabi themselves, between governments and Kabi Kabi, then finally government, state and federal, to the broader communities. Add in volumes of studies, assessments, drafts, and policies that require further consultation, interdepartmentally and between agencies and stakeholders, you can see why investigations can be frustratingly slow, as well as extremely tangled, reminding me of my Christmas tree lights that never fail to have me at screeching point!!
If that is not challenging enough, there appears to be a lack of knowledge around the structure of indigenous representation and the confidential nature of agreements such as ILUA’s and native title, much of which is covered by the federal Native Title Act 1993. Negotiations on these as part of the CGW have led to misunderstandings and misinformation abounding on Facebook, which is not conducive to achieving the best outcome. Especially concerning has been where credible conservation volunteer organisations, who have toiled for decades to care for and add to the protected areas we all enjoy, are targeted in a totally inappropriate manner in public domain. Given it is International Volunteers week, I ask that respect be given to all of our volunteer organisations and their incredibly deserving members, and for detractors to step up and join in their efforts, keeping personal vendettas where they belong.
As can be seen from the CGW example, ‘consultation’ or ‘seeking opinions’ travels across a broad landscape, and there are many types in the consultation journey, including one ‘route’ called community consultation, defined ‘as a method for gathering community input’.
This can be obtained via meetings and events, roundtables and forums, inboxes, calls and written submissions to various inquiries or consultations. Social media (SM) may appear an effective tool for community consultation, however increasingly pages are switching off this method as well comments due to the inability to manage volume and content of responders. Multiple posts and conversation threads are difficult to track and retain, hence why it is important to for opinions, concerns and questions on any issue be emailed to our office for investigation and collation!
Then we have our annual Noosa Community Survey to find out how ‘Noosans’ feel on major issues, or that may come before Parliament. Regardless of efforts to get greater involvement, the responses, even though an ‘adequate sampling’ similar in number to Noosa Council’s annual survey, falls far short of what I would like to see. Delivered to every postal address within our electorate as part of our annual ‘Connect’, as well via social media, roughly 32,000 households are not responding. Is it because everyone is happy, or believe that nobody listens? The difficulty with surveys or polls is how to obtain a ‘qualitative’ response to serious issues without drowning readers in reams of information that could be ‘leading’ or even inadvertently misleading? We have all seen questions worded or information provided in such a way that it can elicit a certain type of response, but this defeats the purpose of true consultation.
Lastly, we have the consultations to our communities that governments do to tick those ‘boxes’ whether during inquiries into bills, initiatives they are proposing, or projects. Since being an MP I have seen some good examples, as well not so good. Whether from limited durations, or as we found with the flight paths inadequate or non-existent notifications to those facing impacts, or confusions with the CGW mentioned previously, ultimately, are all consultations sufficient and meet community expectations? No, and this is something I have spoken about during Parliament, and the ongoing work needed by all involved, which leads me back to where we started. If you are not getting ‘involved’ please do!
Is that the end of the ‘consultation’ story? Not at all. When the consultation process is complete and adjustments made in response, there are many more processes. One example is the proposed speed reduction on Noosa River. Whilst MSQ has called for community opinion to the proposal, they consider responses received along with a host of other data, including from partner agencies, before making a determination. Sometimes these determinations may include legislative changes, and as we have previously seen, from the time of initial consultation and subsequent ‘tweaks’, governments can change, as well the order of funding, social or environmental priorities.
We have some that believe everything should be consulted on, however, if we did that, would we ever get anything done? And then some believe there is too much consultation, slowing down what needs to get done. Given most of our community (remember that 32,000 households I referred to?) do not respond to requests for their opinion via government surveys, information and alerts sent, nor attend workshops and public meetings invited to, it seems the appetite is low for an increase. It appears that the quality, not quantity, of consultation needs work, as with the CGW. In addition, that the channels already provided for advocacy need to be better utilised as they were intended, which needs your commitment to be involved, which is again, where we started this column.
Heading back to the CGW, we continue to investigate and obtain clarity around the tangled ‘Christmas lights’ I referred to, as well the long overdue review of the Great Sandy National Park Management Plan that I have done a ‘Question on Notice’ on. As always all of our findings will be posted to www.sandybolton.com/noosa360.
Before I go, don’t forget, get involved. Check out current consultations via our Friday ‘End of Week’ Facebook update, MP monthly newsletter, or government websites, and please respond to surveys. Having ‘your say’ takes many forms, including writing to me. Time spent on these, versus social media comments is far more effective to see the change you wish to see.
Blessings to all from Parliament, and as always, if you have any questions or need assistance just email us noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or call my office on 53193100.
