The process of developing legislation is a critically important component of wider public policymaking. Ensuring that legislation is accompanied by a clear statement of need, objective, options considered and their relative costs and benefits, stakeholders consulted, and implementation detail provides public assurance that the process has been conducted in a way that maximises public value.
Our agenda builds on the previous work of the Evidence Based Policy Research Project (EBPRP), an independent not-for-profit led by the late Percy Allan, that advocated for evidence-based public policymaking. In 2024 SMF renamed this program of work the Percy Allan Optimising the SPI Project in recognition of his leadership and achievements.
The EBPRP was instrumental in the NSW Legislative Council’s adoption of a Standing Order for all government bills to answer a Statement of Public Interest (SPI) questionnaire that addresses the need and evidence base for the Bill, including:
- Need: Why is the policy needed based on factual evidence and stakeholder input?
- Objectives: What is the policy’s objective couched in terms of the public interest?
- Options: What alternative policies and mechanisms were considered in advance of the bill?
- Analysis: What were the pros/cons and benefits/costs of each option considered?
- Pathway: What are the timetable and steps for the policy’s rollout and who will administer it?
- Consultation: Were the views of affected stakeholders sought and considered in making the policy?
The Susan McKinnon Foundation is working to achieve its vision that the Statement of Public Interest (SPI) creates pressure and accountability for rigorous and transparent legislative policymaking processes, which in turn results in better outcomes for citizens.
We are seeking to optimise the status, quality and usefulness of the SPI in NSW through advocating for the following evidence-informed recommendations to be adopted:
- The NSW Legislative Council Procedure Committee reviews the operation of the SPI in the Legislative Council on a regular basis to ensure compliance and quality, and support enhanced utilisation by members of parliament
- The NSW Legislative Assembly adopts the SPI requirement for government bills in its standing orders
- Develop comprehensive guidelines to support those developing SPIs, including updating the Template Statement of Public Interest and Example Statement of Public Interest in the Premiers Memorandum (M2022-23)
- The NSW Government focus its efforts to improve the consistency and quality of SPIs as part of their ongoing commitment to support high quality policymaking practices and informed public debate
- Refine and update SPI questions to address identified problem areas and gaps
- Support greater accessibility and awareness of the SPI
SMF has also worked to improve the quality of Statement of Public Interest (SPI) in the NSW Legislative Council through the Shadow SPI Initiative