What is the process for releasing discussion documents?

All public discussion documents or reports of a substantive nature commissioned or generated by Ministers, Cabinet or government agencies, and affecting government policy or government agencies, must be considered by the Ministers affected and Cabinet before a date for public release of the report is announced.

Draft policy or discussion documents should be submitted to the relevant Cabinet committee for consideration under a brief covering submission that outlines the purpose and scope of the discussion document, the proposed consultation process, the timing of the exercise and the subsequent work required for final policy decision and legislation, if required.