This section outlines the need for a range of consultation on Cabinet and Cabinet committee papers and the process for consultation, including:
- the process for agency consultation, which includes consultation with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC), the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Treasury, on matters of general importance, on the impact on population groups, and on other cross-government issues
- the process for consultation with interest groups
- the process for Ministerial consultation, including consultation with the Minister of Finance.
The circular National, ACT and New Zealand First Coalition Government: Consultation and Operating Arrangements [CO (24) 2], provides practical guidance for Ministers and departments on implementing the coalition agreements between the parties in government, including when consultation needs to take place.
Agencies that own the preparation of a Cabinet paper are responsible for ensuring that appropriate Government agency and stakeholder consultation is undertaken, that other agencies are given reasonable time to comment, and that their views are accurately reflected in the paper.
Minister's offices are responsible for ensuring that appropriate Ministerial consultation is undertaken, and Chiefs of Staff are responsible for ensuring that appropriate cross-party consultation is undertaken. Note that a period of at least five working days must be allowed for consultation between Ministers and the parties in government. More significant or complex policy changes may require more time, and should be raised with portfolio Ministers and parties early in the policy development process.
Robust consultation processes ensure that Ministers receive sound, comprehensive, and co-ordinated policy advice, enabling them to have well-socialised and relevant information in front of them when they take decisions.
The Cabinet Office is authorised to refer a paper back to the Minister who signed it if consultation appears to have been inadequate. An item will not be included on a Cabinet or Cabinet committee agenda until any uncertainty about consultation has been resolved, particularly around consultation with the Minister of Finance.
Refer to the consultation section of the template for policy papers for further guidance on presenting consultation information.