FAQ

How is community engagement practiced by government?
How do I motivate the community to get involved in engagement activities?
How do I find out what formal engagements are being undertaken by the ACT Government?
What are the levels of community engagement?
What is the recommended timeline for community engagement?
What is community engagement?

Question: How is community engagement practiced by government?

Answer: Engagement with the community is an everyday feature of government business. It can be as simple as responding to a telephone query from a member of the public or more complex, requiring community input to a major policy proposal.

Community engagement is usually initiated by government, but is essentially a two-way flow of information on issues that affect the community. In this context, community engagement provides valuable information and input to government decision-making.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to community engagement. The development of each engagement activity and the level of engagement for that activity will depend on:

the issue open for consideration;

• the size and diversity of the community affected by the issue;
• the depth of interest or concern about the issue;
• the scope for flexibility in policy / program / process outcomes;
• the time and resources available; and
• the extent of any prior engagement and/or policy development on the issue.

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Question: How do I motivate the community to get involved in engagement activities?

Answer: To motivate people in the community to get involved in government consultations and engagement activities, it is important to people to let them know the benefits of getting involved.

You need to let them know these benefits through your promotion of the engagement activity.

This is especially true for those hard to reach groups such as the young, homeless and isolated people.

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Question: How do I find out what formal engagements are being undertaken by the ACT Government?

Answer: Notice of upcoming engagements and contact information will be published on this site's online calendar and in local newspapers (see Public Notices - Saturday Canberra Times and the Chronicle). Contact the relevant area of the ACT Government if you wish to participate in the engagement.

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Question: What are the levels of community engagement?

Answer: Information, Consultation, Involvement and Collaboration. Engagement is enhanced when there is clarity and understanding between government and community about the level of participation being requested.

1. Information: the government provides the public with information on government decisions and activities - one-way communication flow. Typical methods are fact sheets, websites, advertisements, information kits, 1800 numbers.

2. Consultation: the government seeks feedback on analysis and alternatives - limited two-way communication flow. It is used when issues and options are well developed, but community input is required to influence the government's decision on the preferred option. Typical methods are Public comments/submissions, Focus groups, Surveys, Interviews with stakeholders

3. Involvement:To work with the community to explore issues for policy consideration and to develop policy options - multilateral communication. It is used when issues are more complex and the community's ideas and issues are sought to help shape policy options as well as analyse pros and cons. Typical methods are Working groups, Public workshops, Consultative committees.

4. Collaboration: the government partners with the public on consideration of issues and preferred solutions. It is used when there is an opportunity for shared agenda setting and substantial timeframes for deliberation on an issue. Typical methods are Strategic Advisory Boards and Committees, Consensus building forums, Round tables and Charettes.

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Question: What is the recommended timeline for community engagement?

Answer: It is strongly recommended that the absolute minimum for any community engagement activity be six weeks. For large projects, policies and strategies seeking comprehensive feedback, twelve weeks is recommended.

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Question: What is community engagement?

Answer: Community engagement is any activity that enables the government to:

• respond to issues raised by the community;
• inform the community about proposed government policies and actions;
• provide the opportunity for the community to voice an opinion on proposed government policies and proposals;
• invite the community to submit proposals for government consideration; or
• work more closely with the community to shape policy options and priorities.

Community participation is an integral part of good governance. It promotes trust and respect between the community and government by allowing stakeholders in the community to have a say in decisions that affect their lives. It also enhances openness and accountability on the part of government.

Effective community engagement has benefits for both government and the community. Government benefits through access to a diverse range of skills, experiences and knowledge from within the community, and develops a clearer understanding of community priorities and needs.

The community benefits through more active participation in government processes, which can lead to enhanced service delivery and the development of a more inclusive community that works together to address complex issues.

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