Notification of the deferral of the 2011 Food Regulation Stakeholder Consultation Forum

In this section:

Dear Stakeholders

A working group of the Food Regulation Standing Committee (FRSC) has undertaken initial consultation with key stakeholder groups to gain feedback on the current model for the FRSC and Implementation Sub Committee (ISC) Food Regulation Stakeholder Consultation Forums (Stakeholder Forums).

A questionnaire was circulated to stakeholder groups that have previously attended the Stakeholder Forums, and the Chair of the Working Group met face-to-face with a small group of stakeholders in early 2011. A total of 20 written responses were received, with representation from industry, non-government organisations, public health organisations and consumer organisations.

This initial consultation indicates that while stakeholders are satisfied with some aspects of the previous Stakeholder Forums, they have not completely met the needs of stakeholders across the entire food regulation system.

FRSC and ISC have therefore supported a proposal put forward by the FRSC Working Group that there would be benefit in deferring the Stakeholder Forum scheduled for June 2011 in order to develop a revised model for future Stakeholder Forums.

FRSC and ISC regard effective stakeholder engagement as an integral component in the food regulation space. Deferral of the 2011 Stakeholder Forum will allow the working group to develop a new model that takes into consideration the concerns raised by stakeholders throughout the consultation. It will also allow the Working Group to undertake a more detailed analysis of submissions and conduct further consultation if necessary.

We look forward to providing our stakeholders with a new and improved format for the 2012 Stakeholder Forum. Details regarding the location and arrangements will be forwarded in due course.

For any further information, please contact the Food Regulation Secretariat on (02) 6289 5128.