Keeping people informed

We are committed to openness and transparency and publicised our work so that as many people as possible had easy access to information about new plans and policies. This fits under both the customer and market focus and information and knowledge categories of the Business Excellence Framework.

In 2003-04, every conceivable medium was utilised: advertising, media releases, community forums, videos, the Internet, printed material, public events, community education, exhibitions, speeches and launches were used to raise awareness among the public, stakeholders and staff about initiatives, rollout of infrastructure and changes in legislation.

Highlights included:

• The Dialogue with the city event, launch, and outcomes for key stakeholders in the property industry, local and State Government;
• Bikeweek 2004, which included the Bike to Work Breakfast, which attracted more than 3000 cyclists to Perth central city;
• Marine safety displays at boat shows and other events in Perth and regional centres;
• The official opening of the new City West Licensing Centre; and
• The opening of the $3.78 million Bayswater to Maylands shared-use path.

The Department also organised a meeting of the Australian Transport Council, the peak body of national transport policy comprising Transport Ministers from all Australian states and territories.

Talking to us
A Communications and Community Relations Plan was developed for community involvement, two-way communications including public participation and community consultation, public affairs, issues management, corporate reputation management, integrated marketing and promotions, and staff communications.

Resulting improvements to make it easier to talk to us included an overhaul of our Internet site, new customer-friendly telephone handling standards, more community forums, and a comprehensive complaints and feedback system.

Everyone has the opportunity to participate actively in policy development and decisionmaking and to have their values and priorities taken into account at every stage of the Department's planning processes.

We widened our network of advocates and influenced behaviour - encouraging people to cycle, use public transport or walk instead of using a car; carry safety equipment on their boats; and make the most of new licensing options.

Easy access to information
A full list of publications is available in the Freedom of Information Statement available at any of our offices and on the Internet at http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/. Publications and technical reports are also available from our library and through the Library and Information Service of Western Australia.

To maximise readability, clear, uncluttered fonts are selected and all our documents are available in alternative formats such as Braille, large print, audio tape and computer disk.

Advertising and sponsorship
The following statement relates to advertising, direct mail and market research, as required under Section 175ZE of the Electoral Act.