LUNCHEON - 9TH OCTOBER 2013

Vocational Issues Day - ‘Ethics in a Changing World’

Ethics Panelists: Rotarians Cheryl Lacey, Peter Abotomey, Rev. Colin Honey

Moderator  PP Peter McCall 

Whilst Vocational Service is one of the five avenues of Rotary Service Rotarians have different views on just what are ethical standards and how these ideas can add value to Rotary life.  Three of our members have agreed to share their views and respond to various questions raised by their collegues.  Discussion with members suggested the four threshold questions and the need to move beyond rhetoric to consider real-life situations.  The four case studies recommended by members are considered relevant to the three panellists professional experience, International Business, Education, Sport and the Law.

Synopsis Of Presentation:

Last week’s meeting hosted the third annual Vocational Services Committee presentation. This year the focus was on Ethics having previously undertaken Finance and Medicine.  With adequate funding to live a comfortable financially secure life and to be physically and mentally free from the burdens of ill health, ethics play an important role in our daily lives.

The panel comprised of international businessman Peter Abotomey (who remained in Melbourne for an extra two days to join the discussion), teacher and international educationist Cheryl Lacey and our third panelist Rev. Dr. Colin Honey, ethicist, television producer and purveyor of many insightful questions to our weekly guest speakers.

The Panel was chaired by PP Peter McCall who, with his past experiences of these types of forums, ensured the Q & A component flowed freely with little divergence from panellists or the audience.  The interaction was willing and robust with equal emotion being exhibited from both sides of the desk.  Many insightful questions were proposed with the definition of ‘Ethics’ and ‘Ethical Behaviour’ being sought. 
All three panellists had slightly different views on the application of ethical tolerance and community expectations but all agreed, “Ethics and the Law are not always compatible and easy to delineate”.

The number of members, who remained after the meeting to discuss, seek further opinion and compliment all those involved gave confidence to the organisers that  a further meeting of this nature should be considered.  It was a great fellowship day allowing members to be acquainted with their colleagues a little more than prior to the meeting commencing. 

Sincere congratulations to the Vocational Services Committee team, and all others who contributed thus ensuring a most successful outcome.