Public servants with policy and legal responsibilities from across the Cook Islands Government, alongside practitioners from the private sector, recently attended a three-day policy development programme held at Crown Beach Resort from 3–5 June 2026.
The programme was designed and delivered by the Australian Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) to support Pacific partner countries in strengthening their public policy development capabilities. While the training is typically delivered in Australia, the Cook Islands was fortunate to host the programme locally, allowing a wider range of participants to benefit from the face-to-face learning opportunity.
The specialised training focused on practical approaches to developing effective public policy proposals through a seven-step policy development framework. The framework provides policy makers and practitioners with tools to support evidence-based decision-making and the development of robust policy advice for Ministers and governments.
Participants also explored practical methods for testing and refining policy ideas through interactive discussions, group exercises, and hypothetical scenarios.
Roselyn Strickland, Legal Counsel for the National Environment Service (NES), was among the participants who attended the programme.
