Making it meaningful:Government/community sector relations – Dr Margot Rawsthorne & Fiona Christian, August 2004

A research report prepared for Western Sydney Community Forum, in relation to the development of a compact between the NSW Government and non-government organisations.

This report details findings from an action-oriented research project undertaken by Western Sydney Community Forum as part of its work in relation to the development of a compact between the NSW Government and community sector organisations.

Entitled Working Together for NSW, the report details findings from three separate research processes: an e-discussion; an on-line survey; and focus groups.

Key findings

• Research participants had what could be described as sceptical goodwill towards the proposed compact.
• Research participants supported the principles articulated in Working Together for NSW and saw a number of potential positives arising from the document.
• Significant concern was held about how the principles would be implemented, particularly in light of the lack of detailed discussion of implementation to date.
• There was strong support for a consultation protocol to be developed that would attach to the compact. In this way, all consultations held by the NSW government would be undertaken in the broad framework of Working Together for NSW. Consultations would be open and democratic, participants would be held accountable for their involvement, and adequate resources would be allocated to the consultation
• process and the outcomes. Time would be allowed for deliberation, which would be
• facilitated by research, information and analysis.
• The compact has implications for the practice of government agencies and the community sector (peak, regional and local organisations). All will need to review their current consultative processes to ensure they reflect commitments made under the framework of Working Together for NSW.

Research participants felt that the compact, in its current form, raised as many questions as it answered. Whether government/community sector relations will be shaped by the principles articulated in Working Together for NSW remains to be seen. Poor previous experience of government processes has created considerable cynicism among research participants. There is a sense of hope, however, that the agreement signals a shift towards greater participation and deliberation in policy making. If this outcome can be achieved, it will benefit not only government and community sector organisations, but also most importantly disadvantaged communities throughout New South Wales.

Recommendations

• Working parties should be formed under the framework of Working Together for NSW to develop specific implementation strategies. These specific implementation strategies should particularly address concerns about accountability, complaints and resources.
• FONGA should immediately initiate discussions with government concerning the development of a consultation protocol that would attach to Working Together for NSW. The consultation protocol should seek to address the issues raised by this research.
• Government should commence work on mechanisms to ensure a whole-of-government implementation of the principles articulated in Working Together for NSW.
• Peak and regional organisations should review current consultative practice to maximise collaboration, participation and deliberation in policy development.
• The NSW government, peak and regional organisations should allocate resources to further the work of the compact and its implementation.

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For further information

Contact	:	Fiona Christian, Western Sydney Community Forum
Address	:	62 Railway Pde, Granville NSW 2142
Phone	:	02 9897 2677
Fax	:	02 9897 2655
Email	:	fionac@wscf.org.au