When first I read about draft legislation for a Voice to Parliament, I thought -that’s a bit late! We need it at policy formulation and review.
So I was much relieved when provision for representation at executive level was included.
Ministers don’t just declare what new legislation they want and have their staff and the bureaucracy write it up.
In reality, proposals for new and amended legislation result from a complex of inputs, including party policy and otherwise, with committee-based and less formal consultation and negotiation, often involving representatives of many different interest groups.
So-called stakeholders will generally include not just the target group(s) but others, whether because they would deliver the legislated outcomes or are more indirectly affected.
Indeed. identifying potential unintended negatives is a major task—as is budgetary implications.
Similarly, once legislation is enacted, implementation includes oversight and evaluation, with potential need for further consultation with stakeholders.
So yes, the Voice will need to be able to nominate representation at the executive level, if it is to operate most effectively.
And to have the peak representative body structured so that it can convey the views of communities all over the country will be especially valuable.
Email, May 1
Sonnie Hopkins, Tascott