Consult the group

Organisations such as:

• state and local government departments
• non-government organisations
• statutory authorities

can ask to consult the group. Private businesses may consult the group in some cases.

Before making contact with the Department of Human Services (DHS), organisations that want to undertake consultation using the group should try to identify:

• a clear purpose for their consultation/engagement
• timelines (start, duration, completion, and travel time that may be needed)
• the type of engagement activity
• member group(s) to be targeted.

DHS does not evaluate the level or type of expertise offered by the members, but is able to identify members by:

• age
• gender
• geographical region
• area of declared interest.

This identification will help identify appropriate participants for the consultation.

DHS keeps personal information strictly confidential, and operates as an intermediary between the requesting organisation seeking to consult and group members.

Cost of consulting the group

Consulting the Disability Engagement Group is free. However, all and any costs incurred as part of the consultations or engagements are the responsibility of the requesting organisation. These costs may include:

• administration costs
• venue hire, sound and video equipment hire, and catering
• use of interpreters
• transport assistance
• insurance cover