The following is extracted from the Decision Making Framework. The local government principles, expectations of the code, and the decision-making principles provide the guidance to help you reach good decisions in the public interest.

1. Bringing an open and impartial mind to a decision

• A decision maker must hear a person and give them a ‘fair go’ before making a decision affecting that person’s interest.
• A decision must not be made by a person who is affected by actual or apprehended bias. 
• Am I genuinely prepared to listen to all the arguments presented?
• Am I prepared to consider all the options and views presented?
• If I prefer the decision to be made in a particular way, will I genuinely, honestly and fairly hear the objections and any alternative views to see if they can be accommodated before I make my final decision?
• Have I expressed a final opinion on the issue prior to taking part in the decision-making process?
• Have I exercised a decision-making power on a similar related matter?

2. Ensuring the decision is lawful

• What is the head of power related to your decision?
• What scope or discretion exists in relation to the powers around deciding?
• Is there any legislative criteria you must regard when applying your discretion?
• Are you appropriately delegated, or authorised to make the decision?
• Have you considered whether any human rights are relevant to the decision?

3. Having all the relevant materials and facts available to make an informed decision

• Have you considered all relevant information or evidence?
• Have you applied any weighting to the information or evidence and is your methodology sound?
• Have you considered the views expressed by stakeholders?

4. Ensuring the decision is reasonable and based on evidence

• Would an ordinary person see it as reasonable and proportionate?
• Is it arbitrary, or well-planned and consistent?
• Is there clear evidence to justify it?

5. Considering the impact the decision will have on the community 

• Have you identified the people or groups whose interests will be affected by the decision?
• Have you identified the human rights of affected people including the scope and protections of those human rights?
• Have you identified the relevant public interest factors and conflicting or competing interests?
• Have you weighted each public interest, including considering whether there are less restrictive and reasonably available ways to achieve the desired purpose without limiting human rights?
• Are you able to make a decision which balances these public interest factors?

6. Considering the impact the decision will have on Council’s finances

• Is the proposal value for money?
• Is it logically supported with sound financial analysis?
• Will Council be able to measure its progress and outcome?
• Is it tied to Council’s overall vision for the city?

7. Considering how the decision aligns with Council’s long-term direction

• How does it help achieve Council’s vision and goals?
• Will it help achieve social, environmental or economic health now and for future generations?
• How does it sit within the context of Council’s other strategic aims?

If you are in any doubt about the decision to be made, ask your supervisor, manager or the Corporate Governance Branch for assistance.