Cabinet Manual

7.16 The Law Commission is an independent Crown entity established by statute to undertake the systematic review, reform, and development of the law of New Zealand. Projects for the Law Commission may be proposed by any Minister or by the Law Commission. Cabinet is asked to agree to government references on the Law Commission's work programme on an annual basis. This process is initiated each year by the Minister responsible for the Law Commission, who writes to all Ministers inviting suitable proposals with the aim of finalising the work programme by the end of June.

7.17 Ministers are encouraged to consult the Parliamentary Counsel Office before proposing a legislation project for the Law Commission's work programme. Information on the current work programme can be found on the Law Commission's website, www.lawcom.govt.nz.

7.18 The Law Commission and relevant government agencies should collaborate closely during the course of a Law Commission project. The processes for the government to respond to Law Commission reports are set out in the CabGuide. In some circumstances, the government's response may need to be presented to the House.