What is participation?

Participation means more than consultation. It includes providing government information to people in ways that make it accessible and relevant, and creating opportunities for people to be actively involved in the design and delivery of government policies and services. [Note that while online participation can contribute to increasing awareness and understanding of the political system and citizens' rights, electronic voting for elections is outside the scope of this report.]

Participation covers the following three levels [A variation to the three levels defined in “Using Information and Communication Technologies to Enhance Citizen Engagement in the Policy Process”, International Teledemocracy Centre, prepared for OECD PUMA Group, 2002 & “Maroochy Shire Council Public Participation Program Strategy Document”, Bea Rogan Community Planning Services, Mt. Mellum, Queensland, Australia, January 2003].

Information Delivery: information that is relevant, of sufficient quantity and quality – such as timeliness, accuracy, from authenticated sources, etc. – to enable people to make informed decisions when transacting with government.

Consultation: a two-way relationship with feedback sought from people on issues defined by government. Such views are sought to inform decision-making.

Active Participation: active engagement or relationship with the public and businesses with opportunities to define the process and content of policy-making and service design/delivery.