A discussion paper for Tasmanian Leaders and the Tasmanian Policy Exchange

Facilitating Dialogue Through Leadership is a new discussion paper developed collaboratively by Tasmanian Leaders and the Tasmanian Policy Exchange at the University of Tasmania.

The paper draws on insights from the 2025 Dialogue Leadership Lab, held in Hobart with Tasmanian Leaders alumni from across government, industry, community organisations, education and the broader community.

Participants explored how dialogue currently operates in Tasmania, what constrains it, and how leaders can enable more effective, inclusive and courageous conversations. Their insights are complemented by research and by previous Tasmanian Leaders work on belonging, complexity and polarisation.

At a time when many of Tasmania’s challenges feel increasingly complex and contested, the paper positions dialogue not as a soft skill or optional add-on, but as a core leadership capability.

Key takeaways:
  • Dialogue is essential to trust, participation and collective action. When it is constrained, polarisation can deepen, voices can be excluded, and decisions may be made without the right information at hand.
  • Tasmania’s close networks can be a strength, but they can also make people reluctant to speak openly. Effective dialogue requires courage, care and intentional process.
  • Leaders have a role in creating the conditions for constructive dialogue, including inclusive participation, transparency, skilled facilitation and a willingness to move beyond entrenched positions.
  • The paper identifies principles and practices that can support better dialogue in Tasmania, including coherence over consensus, holistic thinking, inclusion, safe spaces, clear information sharing and future-focused decision making.

Facilitating Dialogue Through Leadership: A discussion paper for Tasmanian Leaders

a copy of the Facilitating Dialogue report lies on a dark surface. The quote ' constructive dialogue dos not emerge by accident. It requires intentional leadership, supportive institutional practices, and spaces where diverse perspectives can be heard and considered"

Access the report

Launch event

Facilitating Dialogue Through Leadership was launched at The Forest, University of Tasmania, on Thursday 28 May 2026, in partnership with the Tasmanian Policy Exchange.

The event featured a panel conversation with:

  • Professor Gabrielle Appleby, Professor of Constitutional Law, UNSW
  • Professor Richard Eccleston, Director, Tasmanian Policy Exchange, University of Tasmania
  • Kym Goodes, Director, 3P Advisory

The discussion explored leadership, dialogue and Tasmania’s future, and the conditions needed to support more constructive, inclusive and courageous conversations across public life, organisations and communities.

This work continues Tasmanian Leaders’ growing body of thought leadership exploring the conditions needed for effective leadership in Tasmania, following previous work on belonging, complexity and polarisation.