Citizen participation (AT)

What is Citizen Participation?

• involvement that the public whether as a community or other grouping or as an individual, can have in the decision that governments make’

 

Wide definition/remit of what citizen involvement can be.

To what extent should the public have a determinative say over the outcome of the decision?

Theoretical justifications why we want to increase citizen participation in state decisions.

• ‘better substantive decision-making results from public participation’ Westfield (NZ) Ltd v. North Shore City Council [2005] NZSC 17, [25] — Gather information from public -> Goes into processes =better decision making

• increased accountability of state entities in how decisions are taken

• (Theoretically) increased legitimacy and trust in the decision-making process — ‘head off ‘ challenges and opposition to decision (It's a benefit to the public, see how it operates and how we are heard = more public trust in the decision being a good decision [even when it's not what we agree with])

IN NZ

Public Service Act 2020 (in relation to central government)

Examples of Citizen Participation in Practice

Local Government Act 2002

local govt act 2002 - sections 78 and 81

local government act 2002 - section 77

local government act 2002 - section 79

Local Government Act 2002 - principles of consultation under s 82.

enforcement of citizen participation

critical assessment of citizen participation