Public Engagement Framework 2021-2025

Introduction

The Victorian Government commits to meaningful, principled and inclusive public engagement. Inclusive engagement supports better decisions for all parts of government. Infrastructure, regulation, policy, services, disaster prevention and recovery all benefit from engagement. Engagement helps to build more resilient communities.

The framework provides principles, a how-to guide and measures for engagement evaluation. It aims to strengthen meaningful engagement practice in Victoria.

Public engagement definition

Public engagement is a planned process to support decision making. It encourages people to get involved in decisions that are of interest to them. Engagement refers to a range of opportunities including:

• educating people about a topic (i.e. road safety or health awareness)
• obtaining feedback on a project (i.e. planning new housing)
• working with stakeholders to address local issues (i.e. traffic safety and planning)

Public engagement activities may include:

• workshops, forums, reference groups or consultative committees
• deliberative, participatory budgeting and co-design and processes
• online discussion forums, surveys, mapping tools or social media commentary
• submissions, feedback forms or questionnaires
• communications materials like fact sheets, newsletters, displays or letters
• focus groups, interviews, phone surveys or door-knocks.