6.0 Consultation
Consultation is a fundamental and mandatory part of the development of all
Cabinet submissions. It enables Ministers to receive sound, comprehensive and
coordinated policy advice. Departments initiating a Cabinet submission must
ensure that they consider the interests of other departments and relevant
external stakeholders.
Consultation should occur early in the development of the proposal, with the
subsequent Cabinet submission consultation phase providing an opportunity to
check that all views have been considered, and where unresolved issues remain,
to ensure the alternate views are accurately presented. Therefore, consultation
commences as soon as possible, prior to the preparation of the Cabinet
submission, and carries through to Ministerial clearance of the final
submission.
Departmental staff preparing a submission for Cabinet's consideration should
seek the approval of either the Minister or the Chief Executive Officer before
commencing consultation on policy proposals within government and the community.
Cabinet approval must be sought prior to consultation on major policy reviews
and the release of Public Discussion (Green) papers.
The importance of effective consultation during the development of Cabinet
submission cannot be over-emphasised. Ineffective consultation frequently leads
to delays in Cabinet's consideration of proposals with departments required to
re-lodge their submission or the Minister being directed by Cabinet to undertake
further consultation prior to re-lodgement.
Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009
Last updated: 22 July, 2009
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