At the meeting, each participant is asked in turn to offer their first priority. A brief 1-2 minute rationale for the priority can also be offered. However, debate is limited and there is no critical appraisal of suggestions that are offered. The facilitator moves around the group 2 or 3 times until each participant's list of priorities is exhausted. A short period of open discussion is scheduled - this may focus on contributing additional information or on clarifying the priority list.
Participants vote for priorities across the list.
Participants break and the facilitator and secretariat aggregate responses. Participants reform in large group to discuss the outcome of the voting. The NBCC greatly appreciated the skill that they brought to the consultative process. The NBCC has a special responsibility as outlined in its performance indicators to address the needs of those groups who currently have difficulty accessing information and services, particularly women from an Aboriginal, Torres Strait Island or non-English speaking background and those living in rural and remote areas of Australia. Special workshops were held for these groups.