A caucus meeting is a form of pre-hearing meeting with a similar aim – to discuss and resolve differences before the hearing process begins. However, the participants in a caucus meetings are experts who have prepared or will prepare expert evidence to present to the hearing panel.
The caucus system allows experts to consult with each other, and attempt to understand their respective positions on the subject matter and look for common ground.
This process provides an opportunity to clarify misunderstandings, but also it assists the hearing panel to understand what the points of agreement and disagreement are between experts.
Experts will meet – sometimes with an independent facilitator who will mediate and run the meeting. Generally the meeting will focus on the expert evidence that has been presented and each expert will have the opportunity to discuss points of each others evidence which they agree or disagree with.
Remember that during the discussion experts are expected to give their opinion.
Experts should not:
The experts [sometimes with help from a facilitator] will produce an agreed statement that identifies their areas of agreement, areas of disagreement and the reasons for disagreement. After the meeting a draft is then circulated to participants who are given an opportunity to review the statement before it is given to the hearing panel.
Submitters with expertise who will present expert evidence in support of their own submission
To view a PDF of the caucsing factsheet please click here