30 October 2025: Researchers from the ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ’s world-leading Centre for Deliberative Democracy (CDD) launched a new resource that will support public servants to better engage with everyday Australians – leading to healthier public discourse and improved social cohesion.
The Guidebook for Deliberative Engagement: Key Features and Practical Insights, was launched by the University in collaboration with the New South Wales (NSW) Government, with support from the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs Office for Social Cohesion.
The process of getting citizens involved in decision making is called deliberative engagement, and in practice, it can range from structured forums like Citizens’ Assemblies or Town Halls to more informal community initiatives, like Kitchen Table Conversations.
Centre Director and lead investigator on the project, Professor Selen Ercan, highlighted the Guidebook’s value for governments seeking more effective ways to involve their communities in shaping public decisions.
“Decades of research shows that deliberative engagement can help address many of the pressing challenges democracies face today,” Professor Ercan said.
“This has been a highly valuable research–practice partnership, which combines academic insight with the practical realities of public administration, resulting in a guide tailored to the needs of policy professionals and engagement practitioners.”
The new Guide will serve as a helpful resource for public servants who work at the forefront of community engagement, offering practical tools, real world case studies, and checklists to support the integration of deliberative engagement into their work.
“The NSW Government is pleased to have partnered with the ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ and the Department of Home Affairs to deliver this practical resource for public servants," said Sophie Murray-Farrell, Acting Executive Director, Delivery – Social and Community, NSW Premier’s Department.
“It reflects our commitment to supporting more inclusive, informed and constructive ways of engaging people on the big issues that we face together, from housing to the energy transition.
“By drawing on both research and practice, the Guidebook will help to connect government with communities, foster healthier public conversations, and ultimately build a better future for NSW and beyond.”
Research shows that everyday citizens are both willing and able to deliberate on complex issues – from genome editing to climate change – and that when this process is implemented effectively, the results can include better policy outcomes, better public services, increased trust in government, enhanced inclusion and social cohesion.
The CDD, which is based at the University’s Faculty of Business, Government and Law, is globally active, with research spanning democracy and governance issues such as climate change, health, education and politics.
“Deliberative democracy helps us understand what’s important to everyday people. This guide is a best practice resource that supports healthier public discourse and strengthens democratic processes. We are pleased to launch this project in collaboration with our government partners,” Professor Ercan said.
Research collaborators on the project include CDD centre members Dr Jordan McSwiney, Dr Lucy Parry, Professor Nicole Curato, Dr Hans Asenbaum, Dr Adele Webb and Dr Emanuela Savini, and the Australian National University Law School’s Dr Justin McCaul.
The Guidebook for Deliberative Engagement: Key Features and Practical Insights outlines six key features of effective deliberative engagement: intentional, inclusive, reflective, connected, consequential, and ethical. It is designed for professionals in public policy, community engagement, and organisational strategy – including councils, NGOs, and other sectors seeking to foster inclusive and effective dialogue.
The Guidebook is available: