Thursday, 9 June 2022

Evidence Based Policy Research Project

Mr RICH-PHILLIPS: On another matter, the Evidence Based Policy Research Project has highlighted what a poor job Australian parliaments and governments are doing in developing legislation. Two independent and philosophically opposed think tanks have each assessed 20 case studies from the Australian, New South Wales, Victorian and Queensland parliaments against criteria for sound policy decision-making processes. The consensus from the two think tanks was that only six case studies were acceptable, sound or excellent; 10 were mediocre; and four were unacceptable. Of the four Victorian examples, two were rated as mediocre and two as unacceptable. To improve its legislative policy process the New South Wales Legislative Council now requires bills to be accompanied by a statement of public interest outlining the need, objectives, options considered, analysis, policy pathway and consultation in respect of each bill. Victoria scored the lowest of the four jurisdictions considered, and we now need to improve our policy and legislative processes.