**5. The role of a trusted advisor**

Science is of course always uncertain, particularly in highly complex, politically charged issues such as CSG, and it cannot dictate what action to take. Deciding what to do occurs through a political process of bargaining, negotiation, and compromise[26]. The degree to which society or a community has a sense of shared values about desirable outcomes and the means to achieve those outcomes is important in the decision-making process. Where value conflicts exist, science has little capacity to reconcile these differences. What science can do in such situations is contribute to the development of new and innovative policy options that might allow for compromise among the conflicted parties. This is best achieved through the role of Honest Broker of Policy Alternatives[26].

Another vital aspect of the *Trusted Advisor* is to provide effective communication. Change requires more than science alone; it requires new scientific knowledge to be shared and employed widely, wisely and in a timely fashion: 'For science and technology to deliver full value to society, they must be accessible to as many people as possible and their messages must

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There is increasing importance for effective dialogue between science and the public[28, 29] because in democratic societies, the public has an increasing say over the scientific and technological solutions and policies that companies and governments may wish to deploy,

In contested spaces such as CSG, timely and effective communication from a *Trusted Advisor* to all interested parties is critical to maintaining trust, independence and integrity. Armed with credibility and multiple policy options (delivered through science) for those involved in the decision-making process, the *Trusted Advisor* can make a significant and positive impact on

Science is an integral part of human society and has established, over the centuries, its value to society. Science continues to play a role in contributing significantly to further improving societal and environmental conditions. However, the context in which science research and development takes place is shifting from minimal to increasing public scrutiny and account‐

Science and its products are intersecting more frequently with certain human beliefs and values. As science encroaches more heavily on value-laden issues, members of the public are claiming a stronger role in both the regulation of science and the shaping of the research

Community sanction has become a pivotal element in the adoption and implementation of new technologies that impact on society, environment and economy[33]. The technology doesn't need to be new to require community sanction or a 'social licence' as illustrated by the unfolding public debate on CSG and hydraulic fracturing in Australia and, indeed, around the world with regards to hydraulic fracturing. Both Victorian and New South Wales (NSW) state governments have slowed CSG development within their state and have placed moratoriums

Facts and figures alone will not earn community support and acceptance of CSG developments and the use of hydraulic fracturing. Achieving community acceptance requires a combination of providing trusted and easy to understand information; addressing the perceived risks people have about hydraulic fracturing; and communicating the risk management plans used in the industry. However, if the source of information is distrusted it matters little how full or

through the media, opinion polls and consumer choice[30-32].

on the use of hydraulic fracturing due to community pressure.

be easily understood'[27].

**6. Concluding remarks**

persuasive that information is.

society.

ability.

agenda[30].

Pielke suggests there are four different roles in how scientists (and other experts) can relate to policy and politics[26]. These four idealised roles are:


The role of the Honest Broker of Policy Alternatives or Trusted Advisor is critical in the unconventional gas domain in Australia. A Trusted Advisor is inclusive in its communication and engagement with proponents and opponents of CSG; transparent with its governance and research activities; and independent with its scientific research. This enables the Trusted Advisor to be widely perceived as a trusted source of information and advice.

In the CSG space, not only are there environmental impacts but also social challenges to consider. There is a clash of values that exist between proponents and opponents of the industry and some of these clashes include:


Science cannot provide black and white answers to all of the challenges and opportunities associated with the CSG industry. However, by fulfilling a *Trusted Advisor* role, science can help all parties to better understand the range of impacts associated with various development scenarios, and provide a common platform for policy makers, developers and communities to negotiate and make decisions. This approach enables science to contribute to the development of new and innovative policy options that might allow for compromise among opposing parties, and contribute to practical action in spite of conflicting values.

*Trusted Advisors* were critical in enabling effective political action to address issues such as ozone depletion and acid rain. In these cases, science did not change people's values or beliefs, but it did create new options that allowed for political compromise, given existing values and beliefs[26].

Another vital aspect of the *Trusted Advisor* is to provide effective communication. Change requires more than science alone; it requires new scientific knowledge to be shared and employed widely, wisely and in a timely fashion: 'For science and technology to deliver full value to society, they must be accessible to as many people as possible and their messages must be easily understood'[27].

There is increasing importance for effective dialogue between science and the public[28, 29] because in democratic societies, the public has an increasing say over the scientific and technological solutions and policies that companies and governments may wish to deploy, through the media, opinion polls and consumer choice[30-32].

In contested spaces such as CSG, timely and effective communication from a *Trusted Advisor* to all interested parties is critical to maintaining trust, independence and integrity. Armed with credibility and multiple policy options (delivered through science) for those involved in the decision-making process, the *Trusted Advisor* can make a significant and positive impact on society.
