Australian Public Service Shared Decision-Making Guide

What is Shared Decision-Making?

Shared decision-making is a partnership approach that brings communities and government together to jointly address issues that affect people's lives. Instead of government making decisions alone, this process involves external partners—particularly community members with lived experience and local knowledge—in the design, development and delivery of policies and programs. It moves beyond traditional consultation to create genuine collaboration, where communities have a defined role in shaping decisions that matter to them and their families.

Why It Matters

When complex, entrenched issues require solutions, shared decision-making delivers better outcomes. By bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to the table, government can create more effective, responsive and sustainable services that truly reflect community needs. This approach builds trust, increases community buy-in, reduces duplication and waste, and empowers people to have agency in solutions that affect their lives. It's particularly important in place-based work and partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

What This Guide Covers

This guide helps Australian Public Service staff understand and apply shared decision-making in practice. It explains three types of shared decision-making—strategic, operational and devolved—and sets out six core principles: shared intent, authority, mutual responsibility, two-way learning, evidence-informed decision-making, and adaptability. Packed with real-world examples and practical actions at individual, initiative and agency levels, this guide supports you to build and sustain genuine partnerships that put communities at the centre.

Participant benefits

• Learn practical ways to shift from traditional decision-making to genuine community partnerships that deliver better outcomes for the people and places your work affects.
• Discover the six core principles and three models of shared decision-making you can apply immediately to your programs, policies and partnerships—with real-world examples to guide you.
• Build confidence and capability to navigate the complex, messy work of collaboration by understanding pre-conditions, risks, roles and how to adapt as you go—enabling you to champion community-centred solutions in your agency.

Suitable for

All staff

Category and User Level

This learning experience aligns with the Engagement & Partnership Craft at the Foundation level.