Position Summary
This document outlines the framework by which the Australian Dental Association (ADA) will develop and
approve its Policy Statements.
Purpose of Policy Statements
Policy Statements outline the ADA’s position on an issue.
Where possible, ADA Policy Statements shall be consolidated to minimise duplication or overlap between Policy Statements.
ADA policy should complement, but not duplicate, the ADA Constitution and/or By-Laws.
For the purposes of this document, Policy Statements are focused on areas on which the ADA may wish to
advocate.
ADA Policy Statements should form the foundation of any public statement made by the ADA.
Policy Statements
Policy Statements are high level and principles-based statements that outline the position of the ADA.
They may be supported by additional data, briefings, speaking notes or other points that explain the policy for
different audiences.
ADA Policy Statements shall be formatted, whenever possible, with the following sections:
1. Position Summary – an outline of the Association’s position on the particular issue. The position summary will be placed on the Association website for easy reference, where it will have a link to the complete Policy Statement for those wishing to have more information.
2. Position – the position(s) set forth in the Policy Statement.
3. Background – a short description of relevant facts and history.
4. Definitions – usually as defined by the ADA.
5. Date last approved.
6. Date of next review.
7. History of reviews (footnoted).
Developing Policy Statements
The Policy Committee will be responsible for the development of Policy Statements.
The Policy Committee will undertake regular environment scanning activities in order to proactively identify areas on which policy is likely to be needed and to prioritise the development of Policy Statements. This will include consideration of feedback from similar activities by the Board and Advisory Committee.
The Policy Committee or its delegate will be responsible for collecting data, engaging with subject matter experts, including the ADA’s internal Policy Team, and undertaking research in order to draft Policy Statements for the Committee’s consideration.
The Policy Committee will regularly review the resources required to develop and draft Policy Statements with
consideration to the sustainability of Policy Development Framework.
The Policy Committee will review draft Policy Statements and recommend them for Board approval.
The ADA Board is responsible for approving Policy Statements on behalf of the ADA.
Maintaining and Reviewing Policy Statements
ADA Policy Statements, unless otherwise specified by the Board as being for members only or internal
use only, shall be publicly available to the wider community.
ADA Policy Statements will be published in accordance with the ADA Policy Statement Style Guide.
The Policy Committee shall assess each Policy Statement individually and set a date for its review.
This shall be recorded at the end of each Policy Statement.
Each Policy Statement will be reviewed at least every five years.
Policy Statements may also be reviewed outside the review cycle as deemed relevant and/or as requested by
Branches, Affiliates, ADA Committees and other stakeholders.
A historical register of ADA Policy Statements shall be kept as will any background as to how the Policy Committee determined the contents of the Policy Statement.
Whenever a new ADA Policy Statement replaces a redundant ADA Policy Statement, this shall be recognised in a footnote on the first page of the new ADA Policy Statement.
Rescinded Policy Statements are retained on file. Requests for archived Policy Statements can be directed
through the Policy Committee Chair or ADA Secretariat.
Background
An Australian Dental Association (ADA) Special Purpose Committee on Policy Review was established in
2001 as recognition that the Association did not have clearly defined policy in many areas.
Federal Council in 2007 established a Standing Committee known as the Policy Committee to develop
and review the ADA’s policy and Guidelines.
The Constitution Committee was renamed the Constitution and Policy Committee in 2016 and had added to
it the duties of the Policy Committee.
The Constitution and Policy Committee was renamed the Policy Committee in December 2023. With the
new ADA Constitution drafted by lawyers and the Board to take oversight of the review/update of the by-laws, it was agreed that the constitution component of the committee would no longer be required.
The Secretariat has internal administrative policies that are not approved by the ADA Board.
Any amendments to ADA policy will be consolidated into the relevant Policy Statements or By- Laws.
Definitions
POLICY STATEMENT shall mean a formal document authorised by the ADA Board as the Association’s considered position on a designated subject (ADA Constitution).
Last review: 25 October 2024
Next review due: October 2025
