Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP160102598

Funding Activity

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Funded Activity Summary

Sparking a National Conversation. This project aims to understand why some promises of a ‘national conversation’ on a policy issue seem to be mere hyperbole, while others seem more authentic. Using an evaluative framework based on the latest democratic theory, and the aims and understandings of key actors in each case, the project plans to compare three cases that claimed to spark a national conversation: the Scottish National Conversation 2007–14; debates around the Affordable Care Act in the United States, 2009; and the ongoing issue of Indigenous constitutional recognition in Australia. The project aims to identify why some real-world efforts work better than others, and draw lessons for replicating best practice in Australia. Project outcomes may provide advice to policy-makers on how to engage citizens better in the major issues of the day.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2016

End Date: 31-12-2021

Funding Scheme: Discovery Projects

Funding Amount: $224,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council