Purpose of the Charter of Engagement
This Charter of Engagement describes our commitment to engage meaningfully and transparently with stakeholders. It states how we will engage with stakeholders on issues and decisions that matter to them.
The Charter of Engagement aims to strengthen meaningful engagement practice across Victoria, to ensure we hear and understand the needs and opportunities of regional and metropolitan communities.
A whole of Victorian Government approach to engagement
Under the Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021, we are required to prepare a Charter of Engagement.
Our Charter applies the Victorian Government Public Engagement Framework, the DEECA Community Charter, and Traditional Owner and Aboriginal Community Engagement Framework.
The Public Engagement Framework aims to strengthen meaningful engagement practice in Victoria.
Victorian Government Public Engagement Framework Principles
- Meaningful – engagement is genuine and informs the final decision.
- Inclusive – engagement is respectful, inclusive, and accessible.
- Transparent – engagement is clear and open about what the public can and cannot influence.
- Informed – engagement provides relevant and timely information to the public.
- Accountable – engagement is high quality and responsive to the public.
- Valuable – engagement creates value for the community and government. This can include social, economic, and environmental value.
The Community Charter
- Be available
- Involve and listen
- Take action
Traditional Owner and Aboriginal Community Engagement Framework
- Self-determination
- Traditional Owners as partners
- Place-based or whole-of-country approach
- Respect for the decision-making process
- Aboriginal people set their own priorities
- Free, prior, and informed consent
- Acknowledge past injustices and structural inequality
How we will know if our engagement has been successful
We will strive to achieve our commitment to engage in a meaningful and transparent way.
We'll know we have been successful if you:
- tell us we have communicated openly and honestly
- are clear about what we do, and how we can help
- are open with us and tell us about your issues and aspirations
- trust us to do our jobs and to work with you
- feel included and that you are part of our decision-making process.
We'll report annually on our engagement activities.
How you can engage with us
- Participate in engagement activities
- Subscribe to our electronic newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn
- Contact us
If you're deaf or have a hearing impairment or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service on 133 677 or visit www.relayservice.com.au
When we are engaging, we ask that you:
- be respectful of our staff, other community members, and stakeholders
- provide us with feedback on our engagement so that we can improve our processes.