Decision making in communities

Process where an independent third part hears both sides of a case and makes a legally binding decision- both parties must abide e.g. small claims tribunals

• Arbitration

• Concensus

• Election

• Voting

Reaching mutual agreement- may involve negotiation or mediation or both. The aim is to reach an agreed decision often by compromise- each must feel their needs have been met.

• Concensus

• Arbitration

• Election

• Voting

Used in political and social decision making that involves large communities- majority rules e.g. Aus choice of song: Nation Anthem, Walzing Matilda.

• Referendum

• Election

• Voting

• Concensus

This will guide and influence community decisions. There are local government, state government and commonwealth government/federal laws that need to be considered when decisions are made in the community. The aim of legislation is to support and protect community members. It will also protect the rights of community members and in doing so enhance or maintain community wellbeing.

• Legislation

• Environmental factors

• Protesting

• Lobbying

These factors influence decision making at many levels. Many Australians feel they have a responsibility to ensure its safety. Protection and management of the physical environment is the responsibility of government, community based groups and the owners of properties. Australian environmental groups: Aus conservation foundation, wilderness society, friends of the earth and Greenpeace. The national trust is responsible for the conservation of many buildings.

• Environmental factors

• Protesting

• Community petitions

• Legislation

Individuals may form these groups with people who have similar interests and aims. Groups use a lobbying process raise public awareness of their cause and try to influence changes to laws or procedures e.g. the lobby group, Sydney community forum prepared a report against a second airport in Sydney at Badgery’s creek

• Lobbying

• Legislation

• Concensus

• Arbitration