6.3 Discussion (Green) Papers and Policy (White) Papers

Ministers are to seek the approval of the Premier, in writing, prior to the commissioning of work leading to a public discussion paper or to a major policy review. There is to be no public announcement of such proposals before consideration by Cabinet. The Minister should provide the Premier with details of the rationale for preparing the paper; how it relates to Government priorities, the nature of options likely to be considered and whether it is intended to consult with other portfolios. If consultation with other portfolios is intended, the Minister should advise the Premier which portfolios will be involved.

Discussion Papers are prepared at the direction of a Minister. The preparation and publication of a Discussion Paper is clearly understood to be for the purposes of public discussion and comment. Discussion Papers do not commit the government or a Minister either to the views expressed or to a particular direction for future action. A statement to this effect must be included as a foreword to all Discussion Papers, and ‘Discussion Paper Only’ should be clearly marked on each page.