Inquiries, research and advice requested by government

Our formal public inquiries are initiated by the Government. This takes place when policy issues require extensive public consultation and exposure because they may significantly impact different groups or are otherwise contentious or complex. For narrower, less complex matters, the Government may instead request research or advice.

Once the Australian Government agrees on the focus and scope of the necessary work (often in consultation with other governments and community groups), the Treasurer sends a reference to the Commission. The terms of reference outline what the work covers and how long the Commission has to report.

Public inquiries allow different points of view to be heard and considered. Participating in an inquiry means having a say in Australia's public policy formation, and the success of an inquiry can depend on active community involvement.

People can register their interest to receive updates on our work. Public submissions and transcripts from inquiry hearings are posted on our website.

The public inquiry process

We are often required to provide the Government with policy options to address issues, as well as a preferred option. We may also make recommendations on matters we consider relevant to an inquiry, consistent with our statutory policy guidelines.

Final inquiry reports must be tabled in Parliament within 25 sitting days of the Government receiving the report.

It is up to the Government to decide how it wishes to respond to our recommendations. This is usually accompanied by debate in Parliament and in the community.

Governments are not obliged to follow our advice, although typically more recommendations are accepted than rejected.

Even when our recommendations are not adopted, government policy-making is usually well-served by the information gathering, public participation and scrutiny of proposals and ideas that the inquiry process stimulates.

Sometimes proposals that were not accepted initially have been implemented after an interval.

Stages in the inquiry process

1. The Australian Government initiates an inquiry.
2. The Treasurer sends a reference to the Commission.
3. The PC advertises the inquiry and calls for parties to register their interest.
4. The PC visits interested parties, distributes an issues paper to focus attention on the matters it considers relevant and invites written submissions.
5. Depending on the reference, hearings or other consultative forums will be held.
6. The PC publishes an interim report or position paper and invites further submissions.
7. Hearings may held on this interim report.
8. A final report is sent to the Government. Briefings are held and the report is considered by relevant ministers.
9. The Treasurer tables the report in Parliament. The Government may announce its response at that time or later.

Commissioned research and advice

The Government may also ask the PC to provide research or advice. Terms of reference, or a direction from the Treasurer, outline the project scope and how long the PC has to report. Research reports and advice are usually publicly released shortly after completion.