Over half of Australian and New Zealand residents have never been invited to shape decisions in their communities, and those who have largely don't believe it made a difference

The State of Engagement Report 2026 says the gap is widening between organizational engagement practices and community experiences, with over half of respondents reporting they have never been invited to participate in consultations. Only 30% reported engagement levels that imply meaningful community involvement, suggesting broader reputational and governance headwinds for organizations reliant on stakeholder engagement.