Policy development often involves engagement with citizens and/or interest groups to gather views on issues and options.
Any non-government consultation process should be discussed with the Minister’s office before proposals are developed for Cabinet. Consultation with outside interest groups may, in some instances, be more appropriate after Cabinet’s consideration of the policy.
The Policy Project has developed new engagement resources to support policy teams and agencies with the design, plan, and delivery of community engagement. It includes links to tools to help with engagement. For more information, read the guidance on the community engagement.
Some Acts prescribe the consultation that a Minister must undertake before making certain statutory decisions. The Minister and department should ensure that, in such cases, adequate consultation has taken place in accordance with the Act.