A comprehensive resource for designing, implementing and evaluating deliberative engagement. It is developed to assist government agencies across Australia in selecting the most appropriate methods for deliberative engagement and effectively put them into practice. 

Deliberative engagement refers to a range of methods designed to foster inclusive, informed and reflective conversation with and among citizens and/or stakeholders aimed at finding common ground. 

The guidebook 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, non-government organisations (NGOs) and other sectors seeking to foster inclusive and effective dialogue.

There are several, well-documented reasons for governments and government agencies to support deliberative engagement processes. Deliberative engagement can be used for various purposes, from informing public opinion to collective decision-making. It can be introduced at any stage of the policy cycle from agenda setting through to policy implementation and evaluation, making it a versatile approach for government agencies looking to enhance their interaction with the public.

The guidebook is informed by decades of research and practical experience in the field of deliberative democracy. The advice presented in the Guidebook has been grounded in practice by a series of conversations with stakeholders from across New South Wales Government agencies in 2024.