11Principles of good consultation

11 Principles of good consultation (1) In undertaking consultation under this Act, a person must consider that consultation should be accessible, balanced, inclusive, meaningful, resourced, respectful, timely, transparent and understandable (principles of good consultation). (2) In this section— (a) consultation is accessible if information provided as part of the consultation, and processes for consultation, are easy to access and are presented in a variety of ways to accommodate different stakeholders; and (b) consultation is balanced if— (i) it is undertaken in a way that facilitates and encourages constructive responses from a wide range of stakeholders; and (ii) community views are considered together with the views of other stakeholders; and (c) consultation is inclusive if it is undertaken in a way that— (i) engages all stakeholders directly affected by the subject of the consultation; and (ii) aims to engage all other stakeholders affected by the subject of the consultation; and (d) consultation is meaningful if— (i) information provided as part of the consultation is adequate and well-informed to ensure all stakeholders understand the subject of, and issues relating to, the consultation and can give informed responses; and (ii) it genuinely seeks community feedback; and (iii) community views are genuinely considered and incorporated into final decisions; and

(e) consultation is resourced if the processes are appropriately supported, taking into account the significance, complexity and likely impact of the subject of the consultation; and (f) consultation is respectful if it is collaborative, genuine and courteous towards all views expressed; and (g) consultation is timely if— (i) it is undertaken early and at other appropriate times in the planning process; and (ii) it is undertaken in a way that considers the needs of stakeholders and facilitates participation; and consultation is undertaken in a way that considers holiday periods or other ACT Government consultations (iii) it allows sufficient time for stakeholders to engage with other members of their group or organisation to form a collective decision; and (iv) for a development application for a significant development—it is undertaken as early as possible; and (h) consultation is transparent if— (i) information provided as part of the consultation and processes for consultation are clear and observable; and (ii) planning decisions are made openly; and (iii) government and proponents provide reasons for decisions, including how community views have been taken into account; and

(i) information provided as part of consultation is understandable if— (i) it is clear about the overall objective of the consultation, the specific issues on which stakeholders are being consulted and what is not open to consultation or change; and (ii) it is accurate, written in plain language and presented clearly.