Govt policies may skip consultation

Governmental policies could be rolled out before public consultation under an Abbott plan.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Monday released the 64-page Australian Government Guide to Regulation, as part of the coalition's bid to cut $1 billion a year of red tape on business.

The guide includes four options for consultation on policy proposals, ranging from full public consultation to targeted and private talks.

But public servants are advised of the "post-decision consultation" option.

"The final option ... is not to consult upfront, but instead to ensure your analysis is as robust as possible, proceed to a decision and then discuss the implementation and evaluation of the decision with affected stakeholders," the guide says.

This could be used in the case of a policy that is market-sensitive or of a "controversial nature".

"(It can be used) when public debate is strongly polarised and consultation is likely to generate conflict or compromise good decision making," the guide says.

Departments and agencies will need to get approval from the Office of Best Practice Regulation within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet for the option to be used.