Accept the right to differ

The other day I consulted my doctor regarding a problem I was having.

Having heard what he thought, I decided to get a second opinion and consulted a second doctor.

I weighed up both of their diagnoses and then sought treatment.

Both doctors recorded that I had consulted them, sent me their bills and then claimed the Medicare benefit.

How different is the doctors' understanding of consultation compared to many of our community groups, whether representative or not?

It seems to me that consultation to them means that I consult with them and no one else and completely accept their opinion.

It's almost, how dare any opinion be different to theirs.

Central Coast First during the election process, guaranteed that it was committed to broad community consultation and in fact, continues with this commitment.

Both as a councillor and in my various roles within the community, I am constantly involved in consulting with and listening to the broad range of opinions that individuals and sections of our community have.

Unfortunately, everyone cannot be right and as an elected representative, I am required to reach a conclusion and vote accordingly.

One of the essential elements of genuine consultation, in addition to a willingness to listen, is to give everyone's opinion respect.

Fortunately, this element of the consultation process goes both ways and as none of us is omniscient, one could hope that we can respectfully accept everyone's right to differ.

Cr Laurie Maher, July 20