The Paul Wells Show Who talks to government?
May 21, 2025
Taylor Owen, an expert in policy and technology from McGill’s Centre for Media, and Rachel Samson from the Institute for Research on Public Policy dive into the complexities of citizen engagement in shaping government policy. They discuss who influences government decisions, highlighting the vital roles of think tanks and media. The conversation turns critical as they dissect the effectiveness of parliamentary committees and the changing trust dynamics in media. Insights on navigating government consultations reveal the need for diverse voices and the challenges of effective communication in policy development.
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Complex Nature of Government Input
- Government engagement varies greatly depending on which branch or level you approach.
- "Input" and "shaping" of policy mean different things at different stages and to different actors.
Online Harms Act Consultation Saga
- The Online Harms Act consultation showed how initial mandates and unconsulted add-ons can derail policy.
- A well-consulted bill lost support after unannounced amendments were added.
Mixed Government Listening Practices
- Governments have mixed success listening to outside voices, often balancing between urgency and advice volume.
- Informal, ad hoc engagements can be more valuable than formal consultations.