Consultation
Consultation ensures that both those affected by the regulation and the regulator have a good understanding of what the problem is, alternative options to solve the problem, possible administrative mechanisms, possible compliance mechanisms and associated benefits, costs and risks. Lack of consultation can lead to regulation that is inappropriate to the circumstances, costly to comply with and poorly adhered to.
Both the Australian Government and Council of Australian Governments (COAG) have adopted seven principles of best practice consultation.
Australian Government Consultation Policy
Annual Regulatory Plans
Departments and agencies responsible for regulatory changes that may have significant impacts on business are required to prepare, publish and continuously update an Annual Regulatory Plan. This document provides business and the community with information about planned changes to Australian Government regulation, making it easier for business to take part in the development of regulation that is likely to affect them.
COAG Consultation Guidelines
COAG requires a Consultation RIS for significant regulatory proposals being developed by a ministerial council, national standard-setting body or related body. COAG has endorsed a set of Consultation Guidelines to ensure that effective consultation with stakeholders occurs at all stages of the regulatory cycle.
If you need guidance in relation to a specific policy proposal, contact the OBPR.Contact for information on this page: OBPR contacts page