Public consultation
Encyclopedia
Public consultation, or simply consultation, is a regulatory process by which the public's input on matters affecting them is sought. Its main goals are in improving the efficiency, transparency and public involvement in large-scale projects or laws and policies. It usually involves notification (to publicise the matter to be consuled on), consultation (a two-way flow of information and opinion exchange) as well as participation (involving interest groups in the drafting of policy or legislation). A frequently used tool for understanding different levels of community participation in consultation is known as Arnstein's ladder.
The process is typical of Commonwealth
countries such as the United Kingdom
, Canada
, New Zealand
or Australia
, though most democratic
countries have similar systems. In the United States
, for example, this process is called "public notice and comment" (see Rulemaking
). Some organisations such as the OECD also use such processes. In Canada, the word "consultation" has a special meaning among some First Nations Groups: "it is the duty of the Crown and third parties to consult with First Nations who have asserted, but not proved, aboriginal rights or title."
There is great variation of public consultations. In some countries there is a list of all consultations, or consultations are mentioned in normal news feed. Depending on the country there can be national or regional public consultations.
Canadian consultations
New Zealand consultations
United Kingdom consultations
USA / Federal level
European Commission / European Union level
The process is typical of Commonwealth
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
countries such as the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
or Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, though most democratic
Democracy
Democracy is generally defined as a form of government in which all adult citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes equal participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law...
countries have similar systems. In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, for example, this process is called "public notice and comment" (see Rulemaking
Rulemaking
In administrative law, rulemaking refers to the process that executive and independent agencies use to create, or promulgate, regulations. In general, legislatures first set broad policy mandates by passing statutes, then agencies create more detailed regulations through rulemaking.By bringing...
). Some organisations such as the OECD also use such processes. In Canada, the word "consultation" has a special meaning among some First Nations Groups: "it is the duty of the Crown and third parties to consult with First Nations who have asserted, but not proved, aboriginal rights or title."
There is great variation of public consultations. In some countries there is a list of all consultations, or consultations are mentioned in normal news feed. Depending on the country there can be national or regional public consultations.
External links
Australian consultations- Australian Government, Public Consultations
- New South Wales, Polices for Public Comment
- Queensland Government, Comment on
- The State of Queensland, Department of Communities, Issues for consultation
- Tasmania Online
- State Government of Victoria
Canadian consultations
- Consulting With Canadians
- Government of Alberta, consultations
- Gouvernement du Québec, Public Consultations
- Government of Saskatchewan
New Zealand consultations
United Kingdom consultations
- List of UK government consultation websites
- Scottish Government consultations
- Listing, search and email alerts for most UK government consultations
USA / Federal level
European Commission / European Union level