ABSTRACT
The contributions to this book comprise a diverse set of narratives whose authors are linked by the shared bond of first-hand experience. In other words, each person has 'been there'. That this should be so is almost axiomatic given the central theme of participation in each chapter. This involvement is very much reflected by our editorial style which has not sought to homogenize the presence of individual agency into 'the third person'. The tensions in planning, conflict mediation and public decision-making watermark these essays. But they have also posed deep challenges for their authors who throughout each engagement have retained their confidence in the paradigm of participatory governance, while at the same time being prepared to reflect critically on how things might be done better and differently. Jim Cavaye is his chapter on the Australian experience has neatly summarized the recent provenance of participatory governance as a progression from the welfare state, through the contractual state to the enabling state. Government more widely is now attempting to build a facilitation and partnership role with communities that adds real value to public policy interventions and community outcomes. In other words, the dynamics of the business of governing are dramatically changing, democracy is being confronted by the need for greater transparency and the relative power position of citizens has now made it important that their voices are heard. This book celebrates a significant progression along a route from which, we would argue, there can be no turning back!
