The following operating protocols guide the work of the Scientific Advisory Panel
Procedures for the Scientific Advisory Panel to raise issues with the Ministerial Forum
- The Scientific Advisory Panel will provide its advice in writing to the Forum Secretariat for circulation to Ministers out-of-session, or the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Panel may choose to raise issues with relevant Ministers directly.
- In providing advice to the Ministerial Forum, the Scientific Advisory Panel will indicate the extent to which its advice reflects a consensus view and will articulate any minority views as appropriate.
- The Scientific Advisory Panel will provide its advice in writing to the secretariat at least four weeks before a scheduled Ministerial Forum meeting, or as required out-of-session.
Procedures for the Ministerial Forum in relation to Scientific Advisory Panel advice
- The Ministerial Forum will fully consider Scientific Advisory Panel advice in its deliberations and decision making.
- The Chair of the Scientific Advisory Panel to attend Ministerial Forum meetings as an observer.
- The Ministerial Forum may from time to time request the Scientific Advisory Panel to provide a verbal presentation of its advice to complement its written advice.
- The Ministerial Forum through the Forum Secretariat will advise the Scientific Advisory Panel in advance of issues for consideration on the Ministerial Forum agenda.
- The Ministerial Forum will provide the Scientific Advisory Panel with a copy of the Ministerial Forum meeting agenda at least three weeks before a scheduled meeting.
Initiatives of the Scientific Advisory Panel
- Hydrological Atlas of the Lake Eyre Basin
- Reinstatement of 3 gauging stations in the Basin
- Knowledge Strategy
- SAP information paper
The SAP also take an active role in the progress of the Rivers Assessment