Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics
Professional Independence - objective
A central objective for the operation of the Bureau of Resources and Energy
Economics (BREE) is the concept of “professional independence”.
BREE is administratively a division within the Department of Resources, Energy and
Tourism but professionally independent in its public positioning – it will aim to
maintain a public presence and reputation for analysis based solely on economic and
statistical research rather than one influenced by the political positions or policy of
the government of the day.
This independence will enable BREE to critically examine government policy and to
analyse a range of alternative policy options, including some which may not currently
be supported by the government at a point in time. It will also enable BREE to
produce commodity forecasts and other analysis based on a weighing of the empirical
and theoretical evidence available, without undue influence by any particular
stakeholder.
Professional Independence - Principles
BREE’s professional independence is reflected in the way it operates and adherence
to a number of principles:
1. BREE recruits staff with professional expertise in economics, statistics or related
technical and scientific areas to provide a strong analytical base for its research.
In recognition of the specialised expertise required by BREE, RET may need to
recruit BREE graduates separately from the wider RET graduate process.
2. BREE’s research and analysis is underpinned by a rigorous research process that
provides a sound basis to outputs.
3. BREE maintains a rigorous clearance process for all outputs which helps ensure
the integrity and quality of the research as well as developing the “BREE view”
on specific issues. The clearance process includes several layers of professional
checking – including formal clearance by the BREE Chief Economist and
consultations with the Deputy Secretary and/or Secretary of RET.
4. BREE publishes research under its own brand. This enables the Government to
both benefit from the evidence, data and analysis provided by BREE outputs, but
also to stand arms-length from it in a way that would be more difficult to achieve
from a departmental-branded publication.
5. BREE does not clear its publications with the Minister’s office. Advice on release
of publications is provided in advance of release to enable the Minister to respond
publicly if necessary, but this is provided on a “for information” basis.
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6. BREE has a wide presence in the media and does not seek approval from the
Minister’s office, or elsewhere in RET, to talk about its research and analysis in
public. The public-benefit from BREE’s research and analysis is maximised by
providing clear, regular and effective communication activities using a range of
media types – including holding and presenting at national and regional
conferences, use of the electronic and print media, free-availability of its
publications (on the internet) and use of social networks such as Facebook and
Twitter.
Approved by the BREE Advisory Board
BREE
September 2011
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