Two new social justice commitments reflect changing environment
Published on 29 January 2024
Council has added health inequality and climate change to its social justice commitments in a revised draft Social Justice Framework that reaffirms its commitment to protecting human rights and promoting social justice in Maribyrnong.
In its simplest terms, social justice is the pursuit of equal rights and equal opportunity for all people in our community. It is premised on addressing the impact of social, environmental and economic inequalities in the wider community.
As the level of government closest to the community, Council recognises the role it needs to play to create a healthy, safe and inclusive Maribyrnong, and the revised Draft reinforces Council’s commitment and investment in addressing inequalities across our community to achieve this.
The draft Framework lists three goals – equity, inclusion, and resilience – and is underpinned by six guiding principles to help address barriers to inclusion in our community.
Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam, said once endorsed, the Framework will apply to all aspects of Council business, to help ensure its processes and decisions do not contribute to further disadvantage or undermine aspirations for equity, diversity, inclusion and resilience.
“Council recognises barriers to inclusion and health inequalities existing in our community, leading to poorer outcomes for some groups based on identity and experiences. The revised Framework seeks to ensure equity and fairness remains at the centre of our approach to social justice and human rights”, she said.
The revised Framework was developed following a legislative and policy review, desktop research and engagement with key stakeholders in 2022.
The community can find more information and provide any comments by Friday 23 February 2024 at yourcityyourvoice.com.au/socialjustice
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