THE IMPORTANCE OF RESPONSE TIMES

Have you ever taken action for change and waited a short eternity for a response? I know I have.

According to the Stonnington website, our council “will respond…within 10 business days. If (they) can’t resolve it within 10 working days, (they’ll) let (us) know that the matter is still under investigation”. My concern is, some of these investigations tend to take months, including issuing parking permits. This hinders the council-resident relationship.

At work, I am surrounded by millennials, digital natives who teach me that websites and other digital platforms should be instantaneous. We shouldn’t have to wait weeks to months for online responses. And if we do, we should get some indication of response time.

I propose that the Stonnington website implement an “Application Status” option. For example, when you put forward an application or query, you will hear (via Email) where you are in the queue and know exactly when your voice will be heard. To me, this reflects transparency. It is my life motto that I am open with everything that I do – transparency in business and all walks of life is key to a successful outcome. This will cultivate a healthy and positive relationship between council and the general public, where Stonnington residents will no longer have to feel frustrated when they don’t hear back. Instead, they’ll know exactly when they’ll be heard and by whom.

To me, councils have to realise that they are responsible for their communities and be accountable for that. Transparency can achieve that.

I value transparency and believe that a regularly updated queue will rebuild the bond between council and residents.

Be the change.