Circular 2026/04: Genuine and effective consultation in Commonwealth agencies

Genuine and effective consultation with employees and relevant unions is sound management practice. It fosters a positive and inclusive workplace culture, where the views of employees are considered and taken into account before decisions that substantially impact them are made or implemented. The benefits to agencies of genuine and effective employee and union consultation include enhanced employee engagement and morale, increased productivity, access to new ideas, better outcomes in change implementation, stronger employee commitment to agency goals and objectives and improved staff retention.