What we heard
Tasmanians told us they feel connected and respected when everyone belongs, across generations, cultures, abilities and identities. They want everyone’s voice to be heard.
People described inclusion as something you should be able to feel in everyday life. It means being welcomed, treated fairly and respected in community spaces and services.
Many participants shared that exclusion, racism, discrimination and stigma do not just harm individuals. They also break trust and make people pull back from community life.
These experiences can happen in small moments and everyday interactions. Over time, they can create a sense that some people are ‘on the outside’, even in their own neighbourhood or town.
A consistent message was that inclusion depends on clear and compassionate communication. People want more than being spoken to. They want to feel heard and know that their views matter.
People also highlighted that how information is delivered matters. Information is not always best delivered digitally. People value information that shows up where life is happening, through local places and trusted touchpoints, like community spaces and even the local post office, where people can ask questions, check details and feel supported rather than left behind.
What does this mean for services and for Tasmania’s future?
- Organisations that reflect and include the diversity of their communities may be better positioned to understand community needs, improve participation and strengthen performance, particularly when diversity is supported by inclusive workplace practices.
- Equity in hiring, procurement and leadership can strengthen trust, legitimacy and relationships when it is implemented transparently, avoids tokenism and is shaped with the communities and suppliers it is intended to benefit.
- Embedding inclusion in economic growth strategies can support creativity, broader market reach and more resilient performance by enabling more people and communities to participate in, shape and benefit from economic activity.
So what might inclusion for everyone look like?
- Inclusion is built into everyday interactions.
- People are treated fairly.
- Culturally safe spaces help everyone feel welcome.
- Communication helps people feel heard and supported.
- Information is shared in accessible ways.
- No-one is excluded from the experience of belonging.
Together, these features help build connected and respectful communities.
Get involved
You can check out how to get involved with the journey towards a more connected and respectful Tasmania.
We are all in this together and we would love for you to get involved.