Consultation news
Mix of views in Mount Gambier
Mount Gambier was the first of our regional roundtables for South Australia, and followed on from a highly successful session in Adelaide. While the number of participants was somewhat smaller than we saw in Adelaide, the discussion was just as passionate and well-considered.
The consultation session attracted workers in various social services and allied health services, social work students, solicitors from private law firms and a community legal centre, pensioners and other local residents.
Given the relatively small size of the group, participants joined together in a single roundtable discussion. This format worked well, allowing for focused and in-depth discussion of the issues raised.
Among these was a significant concern about the lack of services for people outside Adelaide, particularly in relation to psychiatric and other health services.
There was broad support for a charter of rights as well as other improved mechanisms for the protection of human rights, but there was also some opposition from people happy with the status quo.
Thanks Mount Gambier, the mix of views shared here made for some rewarding debate and discussion.
Mary Kostakidis and Philip Flood