How do we encourage vision and leadership beyond political cycles? What’s the future for our democracy? Wooaaahhhh! Heavy questions! Yeah, but necessary!

Only 35% of Australians Trust Government

The percentage of Australians who say they have trust in their governments has declined to 35 percent. The metric is contained in the 2018 Edelman Trust Barometer, which measures public trust in four types of institution across 28 countries. Australia is now in the bottom third of the countries surveyed. The report says that in modern society, citizens delegate important aspects of their life to the four institutions. “In order to feel safe delegating important aspects of our lives and well-being to others, we need to trust them to act with integrity and with our best interests in mind.”

“Trust, therefore, is at the heart of an individual’s relationship with an institution and, by association, its leadership. If trust in these institutions diminishes, we begin to fear that we are no longer in safe, reliable hands. Without trust, the fabric of society can unravel to the detriment of all.” Source: https://www.governmentnews.com.au/2018/02/australians-trust-government-time-low/

Future of Local Government National Summit Declaration

The Future of Local Government National Summit devised the declaration below in 2017. It aligns perfectly with our Town Team model as the movement spreads around Australia and New Zealand.

The Declaration

“Across the world people are concerned about the apparent inability of governments, business and public institutions to address the economic, social and environmental challenges of the 21st Century.   Our present ways of thinking and governing are neither coping with the pace of change nor meeting citizens’ expectations. There is an urgent need for a fresh approach and responsive leadership.

(Australia is) struggling with economic upheaval, rising inequality, loss of social cohesion, increased rates of loneliness and mental illness and serious environmental threats, notably climate change. Many Australians are losing faith in our basic democratic institutions and withdrawing from active participation in civic and cultural life.   It’s time to explore a new model of governance, one based on a re-energised civil society that draws on the strength and resourcefulness of people working together in diverse local and regional communities – a localist response.”   Source:“http://www.cvent.com/events/2018-sustainable-communities-national-summit/custom-18-c5c69c5572e64fab82c9524b23bd1e7d.aspx