As a research team, we try to facilitate that.

The findings were as follows. Our participants believed that there should be an inclusion of all social groups in these conversations and discussions and they felt that was an essential component of the unity debate. They argued that it is essential also to support marginalised groups to enable them and facilitate their participation in these conversations. They held that grassroots knowledge was an invaluable resource but was too often underutilised. They underlined the need for human rights and for equality protections in any form of constitutional reform.

They felt it was essential that the grassroots had the information required before a border poll. They were concerned about community tensions and they were concerned about the impact of constitutional change on social welfare and the economy.

We outlined a number of recommendations and principles in the report we submitted and we hope that the committee will consider how they can be implemented in the future.