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AgVetLink: Number 56, June 2006

Making Submissions on Discussion Documents

Who can make submissions?

In general documents issued by NZFSA are open to comment from anyone. Submissions are sought from all interested parties on any aspect of the proposals presented in its documents.

NZFSA values the time parties take to consider and comment, and it considers that its regulatory control is improved as a result of the input from interested and affected parties.

How should submissions be written?

Clear, concise comments will help to ensure that the significance of your comments is understood. The following points may be of assistance in preparing comments.

• Wherever possible, comments should be specific to a particular section of the document.

• Comments on other matters should be clearly stated and indicated.

• Comments should be to the point and, where possible, accompanied by supporting reasons and data.

• The use of examples to illustrate particular points is encouraged.

• A number of copies may be made of your comments, so please use good quality type, or make sure that your comments are clearly handwritten in black or blue ink.

Will information in my submission be made public?

Submissions may be the subject of requests for information under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA specifies that information is to be made available unless there are grounds for withholding it (such grounds are set out in the OIA).

Submitters may wish to indicate grounds for withholding specific information contained in their submission, e.g. that the information is commercially sensitive or personal (such as name and contact details). Any decision to withhold information requested under the OIA is reviewable by the Ombudsman.

What happens to submissions?

Submissions received are all analysed and changes made to proposals as appropriate. The amended proposals form the basis of regulatory control and may be incorporated into Cabinet papers that would lead to amendments in standards, guidelines or even Acts and Regulations.