Pioneering legislation has the potential to boost public accountability, policy outcomes and transparency in state and federal jurisdictions.
A pioneering public interest test for all new policy in NSW, requiring politicians to answer detailed questions on need, costs and evidence supporting new legislation, will be watched as a potential model to be rolled out in other jurisdictions.
The statement is not compulsory, but bills submitted without one have the potential to be put on ice indefinitely, due to provisions that force the MP introducing the bill to state whether it includes the statement. “Anything that prompts governments to institutionally consider if new legislation or policy is needed, whether stakeholders including industry have been consulted and if unintended consequences can be avoided, is a good thing,” she said.Institute of Public Affairs executive director John Roskam said the model should be watched by other governments around the country.
“A statement of public interest can help policymakers face the challenge of limited knowledge, by gathering evidence on the nature of the problem, alternatives to fix the problem, and undertake public consultation on the impact of policies.”The legislation is the culmination of a three-year lobbying effort by the Evidence-Based Policy Research Project, a not-for-profit governance advocacy group spearheaded by former NSW Treasury secretary Percy Allan.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Free flu vaccine 'blitz' announced in NSW amid 'increasing hospitalisations'NSW health authorities are embarking on a 'month-long blitz' to combat what is predicted to be a horror winter for influenza, with 1,100 reported cases of respiratory illness in the past week and 150 presentations and admissions to hospitals.
Read more »
Independents warn federal election 'course correction' also message for NSW coalitionIndependents based in regional New South Wales warn state government Nationals and urban Liberals not to underestimate voters' interests in climate change, environmental management, and the need for integrity.
Read more »
'Right thing to do': NSW takes first step to returning harbour island to Indigenous communityThe iconic Me-Mel/Goat Island in Sydney Harbour will be returned to the Indigenous community, with the NSW government allocating $43 million towards its restoration.
Read more »