Discussion documents are a common vehicle for consultation. Discussion documents often outline different options to solve a problem and, among other things, ask interested parties what impact the options may have.
If a Cabinet paper is required, and the discussion document contains consideration of options that may lead to regulatory changes then the RIA requirements apply.
RIA must be applied in one of two ways:
- A consultation RIS must be attached to the discussion document; or
- The discussion document itself must include the substantive RIA elements (Treasury recommends this application of RIA).
Discussion documents for significant issues must be provided to RIAT for comment prior to consultation. For more information on the RIA requirements for discussion documents see: RIA Handbook: Discussion Documents.