This report investigates the role of trust between governments and communities, highlighting how the reciprocal flow of trust is essential for effective policy and resilience to social harms such as extremism. The research identifies key behaviours and practices for building and maintaining trust between government and communities. 

The report emphasises the need for meaningful consultation in the co-production of policies and programs, and the importance of building functional relationships before a crisis arises. 

Key findings

• Many government policies recognise the importance of trust, but do not focus on how to create it, leading to a gap between policy and practice.
• Perceptions of a lack of trust from government agencies undermine the effectiveness of government policies and programs.
• Governments should be aware that trust is not equally distributed across society, with wealthier, better-educated people often having higher levels of trust in government.

Key recommendations

• Government officials need training to develop relationships with communities, and communities need training on how government works.
• Policy settings need to explicitly recognise the importance of trust and the need to actively create it.
• Accountability requirements should be robust, proportional and transparent.
• Government should work with communities to co-design and co-deliver programs rather than simply consulting them.