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Greater public participation and more accountable government
Victoria today
Victoria has for 150 years enjoyed a strong democracy - one recognised as among the best in the world. Our voting system is trusted by all. Our parliament and courts are open to all. A completely independent judiciary maintains the rule of law.We have reformed the Victorian Legislative Council to increase its representativeness and responsiveness to the Victorian people under a revised Constitution which, for the first time, requires a referendum for major changes. We have increasingly involved Victorians in a range of consultative committee and advisory boards on important issues and introduced regular community cabinet meetings to enable local communities to discuss priorities directly with Ministers.We have removed curbs placed on open government, including reforms to the Freedom of Information Act and restoring the powers of the Auditor General. We have also increased the amount of information available to the community on the Internet and made State Government Departments more accountable for performance standards set out in each year’s Budget Papers. For the past two years we have reported to Victorians on how the Government has performed via the Growing Victoria Together progress report in the Budget Papers.
Challenges ahead
Our democratic system is strong, but a healthy democracy requires constant attention. Victorians could be more actively involved in decision-making through better consultation, increased participation in decisions affecting their local community, and involvement in their local services.
Measuring progress
One important demonstration of accountability will be the regular reports we make on our progress against the ten goals outlined in Growing Victoria Together. Greater involvement in decision-making will signify growing democratic participation.
- More Victorians from all backgrounds will have the opportunity to have a say on issues that matter to them
- There will be regular reports on progress in improving the quality of life for all Victorians and their communities
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