What is social equity?

Equity is a concept based on the principle of human rights and fairness in the distribution of services, resources, benefits and responsibilities, on the basis of people’s current opportunities and barriers.

It recognises that people have different needs, life experiences, levels of influence and access to decision making and that these differences should be identified and addressed in a manner that rectifies imbalances, to provide equitable outcomes for all.

The Framework

The Social Equity Framework is an important Council document that outlines the principles we need to enable every member of the community to:

• be supported to participate fully;
• be included; and
• have the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

The Social Equity Framework will guide Council to consider the principles of social justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in every service and program the City delivers, and every space and place that the City manages.

This builds on our three organisational social equity principles:

• Decision making informed by social equity data 
  All activities of the City will be informed by demographic and geographic information on social equity in the region which is up-to-date and identifies priority areas and groups for attention.
• Effective and focused partnerships
  Planning of all activities will be informed by effective, focused partnerships and engagement with priority groups and areas, aimed at fully understanding the needs and obstacles they experience in accessing services and facilities.
• Designing for community need and equity 
  Service and infrastructure design, location, communication and support arrangements will address the needs and obstacles faced by priority areas and groups.

It also outlines the enablers of social equity:

• Fairness - distributing resources and facilitating fair processes and outcomes for everyone.
• Access - reducing physical and social barriers from places, spaces, resources and opportunities for everyone.
• Voice - creating safe spaces for everyone to speak up and genuinely listen to their individual and collective needs.
• Participation - assisting everyone to be involved in social, community and economic opportunities.
• Inclusion - creating opportunities where everyone feels safe, supported and like they belong, regardless of their social identities, characteristics and circumstances.
• Empowerment - supporting everyone to make meaningful choices and have a say in decisions that affect them.

Learn more by reading the Framework.

Or take a look at the summary documents - available in Arabic, Dari, Karen, Swahili, Tamil and plain English.

Related work at the City

There is work across the City that contributes to improving social equity outcomes in our community. Follow the links to learn more:

• Access and Inclusion Plan
• Advisory Committees
• Ba-gurrk Gender Equity Framework
• Community Engagement Policy
• Our Community Plan
• Positive Ageing Strategy
• Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan
• Social Housing Plan
• Social Infrastructure Plan