Yes

It is more than 20 years since the first review of the influence of land-based pollutants on the Great Barrier Reef by an independent panel of experts was carried out (2002). The first formal Scientific Consensus Statement was produced in 2008. Each update builds on earlier Statements to get a […]

A range of formal methods for achieving consensus were considered during the design phase. As a first step, the Scientific Consensus Statement’s Coordination Team (led by C2O Consulting) carried out a literature review to collate information on published consensus methods. Several of the most established consensus methods were evaluated as

Three stages of the 2022 Scientific Consensus Statement project involved formal peer review by independent experts. Review of the Methods An independent expert in evidence synthesis methods was appointed to lead the development of ‘fit for purpose’ methods for the 2022 Scientific Consensus Statement. Advice on the draft Methods was

An independent expert in evidence synthesis methods was appointed to lead the development of ‘fit for purpose’ methods for the 2022 Scientific Consensus Statement, supported by the Scientific Consensus Statement Coordination Team. Development of the methods focused on: A Methods Working Group was established and provided input as the Methods

Lead Authors were required to address the 30 priority questions of the 2022 Scientific Consensus Statement. Questions were addressed using a formal evidence review and synthesis method and delivered by a Lead Author and their team. Selection criteria were established to screen and assess applicants. These criteria included extensive knowledge

The question setting process used an iterative approach involving policy and management representatives, stakeholder and scientific teams to identify a set of priority needs that could be met by answering a set of well-defined questions. Potential topics were initially identified from a range of sources including previous Scientific Consensus Statements,

Given the complexity and wide range of subjects addressed as part of the 2022 Scientific Consensus Statement, its development has involved almost 200 experts, researchers, scientists, policy and management teams, and other stakeholders and end user groups from Australia and overseas. C2O Consulting was appointed by the Australian and Queensland

The 2022 Scientific Consensus Statement introduced several measures to ensure that each major step of its development underwent some form of review. This provides additional assurance that the final outputs were high-quality, credible and robust. Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Foley, was engaged to ensure that the processes used to develop

In recognition of the need to build greater trust in the process and outputs with stakeholders and end users, seven guiding principles were developed that have underpinned the delivery and implementation of all aspects of the 2022 Scientific Consensus Statement process. These principles were supported and endorsed by a variety