Engaging stakeholders

Engaging all stakeholders in addressing sustainability, in decision-making and actions

Sustainability is a matter that cannot be left to governments alone to address. The rapid advance of business globalisation resulting in greater integration of once semi-independent national economies, is increasingly affecting the capacity of the Federal and State Governments to unilaterally balance economic, social, environmental and governance choices.

The challenge of achieving sustainability must be an integral objective in the decision-making and actions of governments, industry, communities and individuals and it must be addressed at not only the policy formulation stage, but also in development and implementation of initiatives, and evaluation of ongoing operations.

Effective stakeholder engagement is critical to addressing sustainability. It recognises that success in achieving sustainability is heavily dependent on stakeholders properly understanding proposals, having the time and opportunity to participate in the debate, and ultimately having a sense of ownership of changes and developments.

Meeting the challenge of working towards sustainability

It is recognised that the challenge of achieving sustainability is substantial because, in many areas of endeavour and behaviour, we are having to change longstanding aspirations, ways of thinking, and practices, and prepare to adapt to significantly different circumstances. However it is equally clear that with governments, industry, community and individuals working together, immediate and long-term sustainability outcomes can be attained.