The association was recently approached by a member expressing concern at comments being made on Social Media (Facebook) by the President of the association, Fraser Buchanan that the member felt reflected poorly on the association.
The association has dealt with this matter previously, making the point that:
• all Media Releases published by the association must be approved by a majority of the members of its elected Management Committee.
Having said that, any member of the association is free to publicly express a different view to the association’s official view, the same as any member of the public is free to express their views on issues.
• there are three members of the association who are currently authorised to comment publicly on issues of contemporary relevance to the association, namely its President, Fraser Buchanan, Vice-President, Peter Rogers, in the event that the President is not available & its Secretary/Treasurer, John Richardson.
In making any public comment on the association’s position on an issue, its spokespersons must make it clear that they are speaking on behalf of the association. Where no such claim is made, it should be assumed that the spokesperson is expressing a personal view.
While the association is mindful of its obligation to protect its reputation, it accepts that its individual members, including its authorised spokespersons, might hold & express views & opinions on issues that are not necessarily of direct concern to the association or are even at odds with the association’s stated position on an issue.
While the association would be disappointed to lose public support for its work, as a matter of principle it will not attempt to gag or otherwise interfere with its members right to express their own viewpoints, provided that they make it clear that that is what they are doing.
And finally, it has been said that “perception is reality”.
For its part, the BVSRRA is less concerned about with perceptions & is happy to leave that to others. The association is more concerned with providing factual & timely information to the community that will allow it to make informed judgements on council’s performance.
John Richardson
Secretary/Treasurer
Bega Valley Shire Residents & Ratepayers Association
Tel: 0264945669
Email: secretary@begavalleyshireratepayers.asn.au
Website: http://www.begavalleyshireratepayers.asn.au