Strategic engagement is increasingly used in corporate, research and governance fields. High-level, goal-focused engagement can be a powerful tool to rebuild trust in democracy – but, if poorly understood or misused, it risks becoming performative and politically driven. Framing this report is the question of how to increase value, awareness and understanding of strategic engagement with decision makers. 

This report provides sector-wide research into challenges across engagement practice and policy. Based on in-depth qualitative interviews with political leaders covering all levels of government, as well as decision makers, academics and senior executives across Australia and New Zealand, it offers insight into the strategic role of engagement from those shaping policy and governance. 

Five major challenges are identified as impacting the role of strategic engagement in improving trust in democracy and democratic processes.

1. Definition of strategic engagement and risks in politically driven outcomes
2. Poor practice and performative engagement in government consultations
3. The expertise gap, political blowback and fear of feedback
4. Engagement specialisation and fragmentation
5. Engaging in an era of mis- and disinformation.