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 It is a method of assisting citizens to participate in an informed way in the debate and forming of public policy about complex and challenging issues, like gene technology in the food chain. This process has never been attempted in Australia, although it has been successful in Europe, the USA and New Zealand. What is different from other processes is that it allows people to identify the issues that are important to them, and which they think the experts need to address. The consensus conference brings together a panel of citizens from around the country, and a panel of leading experts in a balanced range of fields, many who will hold contrasting views on the relevant issues. It works like a 'citizens' jury'. The citizens decide the 'key questions' they want to set the speakers. The speakers 'give evidence' (which can be conflicting), the citizens cross-question them, and then retire to develop their recommendations on the key questions and come as close to consensus as possible. This 'verdict' is published as a report, available to government, industry, scientists, the media and the community. In some countries, these reports have directly influenced the development of legislation.  |