Many local governments are grappling with the issue of ensuring that their consultation approaches reach all relevant groups in their communities. How do you ensure that the only respondents to consultations aren't "the usual suspects"?

This section gives some hints about reaching out to some of the groups who have often not been successfully included in consultation processes. Information is contained about consulting with the following groups:

This material has been compiled in consultation with key organisations who work in or with these communities.

We acknowledge that this is just a start and that there are a variety of individuals and groups in our communities which feel shut out of local decision making or unsure as to how to make a contribution. We are also collating case studies which reflect a variety of situations where a broad range of people or specific groups have been engaged. Click here for examples.