Membership of Local Community Organisations and Decision-Making Bodies

Last Updated:

2008

Update Frequency:

every 3 years from 2008

Indicator Rationale

In a democratic community, people participate in decision making and local government processes that are transparent and accountable. People run for elected positions and have confidence that government will make good decisions. Because they are engaged, they feel empowered, that they have personal political efficacy and are in control of their destinies. People feel that they have equality before the law and fair and equal access to the justice system.

Data Source

Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), Indicators of Community Strength at the Local Government Area Level in Victoria

Indicators of Community Strength data were collected in telephone surveys conducted in 2008 and involved 450 individuals over the age of 18 in each of the 79 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Victoria. These data were collected as part of the Victorian Population Health Survey which was conducted at the LGA level for the first time in 2008.

The Indicators of Community Strength data were previously collected in 2006 and 2004 by the then Department of Victorian Communities. However, the Indicators of Community Strength and Victorian Population Health Surveys were combined in 2008 to reduce the burden of surveying on Victorian communities and to give the indicators an institutional home into the future. The Victorian Population Health Survey has a substantially better survey methodology that includes a larger sample, the use of primary approach letters, interpreters and a different method of calculation. This means the 2008 Indicators of Community Strength data are not comparable with the previous 2004 and 2006 data. Therefore, the earlier data have been removed from Community Indicators Victoria at the request of the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development.

Measure

People Who Are Members of a Decision-Making Board or Committee: expressed as a percentage of the adult population.

Survey Question

Are you on a decision making board or committee, such as a corporate board, school council, sports club committee, church committee, body corporate or resident action group? Yes; No

References

Pope J and Warr DJ (2005) Strengthening Local Communities: an Overview of Research examining the benefits of Neighbourhood Houses. DVC: Melbourne.