Research: Over half of ANZ residents feel excluded from community decision-making
A new report by Open Point reveals that nearly half of residents in Australia and New Zealand have never been invited to participate in decisions affecting their communities. Those who have, doubt its impact.
A significant portion of residents in Australia and New Zealand lack trust in organizations responsible for community decisions, according to new research from Open Point. The "State of Engagement Report 2026" indicates that almost half of ANZ residents do not believe that decision-makers genuinely listen to or act on their feedback.
The report, based on surveys of 507 engagement professionals and 1,004 residents, highlights a persistent disconnect between how organizations perceive their engagement efforts and how communities experience them. Only 30% of residents believe their views influence outcomes, and just 15% are informed about what happens after their participation. A substantial 65% suspect decisions are made before consultations even begin.
Researchers suggest the issue stems from structural problems rather than a lack of intent. While engagement professionals are committed to meaningful participation, the supporting systems and practices lag behind. Over half of residents surveyed stated they have never been invited to participate in shaping decisions in their local areas, and of those who do participate, many feel discussions are dominated by a small group.
The findings also point to an infrastructure gap, with only 26% of organizations using centralized engagement platforms. This fragmentation leads to project delays, increased costs, and challenges in approvals. Open Point CEO John Moss stated that communities want to participate and professionals want to deliver meaningful engagement, but the critical infrastructure to connect the two is often missing.