The network of advisory and statutory bodies is a distinctive feature of the system of government. It seeks to obtain, through consultation with interested groups and individuals in the community, the best possible advice on which to base decisions or to perform statutory functions.

    Advisory bodies give advice to the Government through a Policy Secretary or a Head of Department. Their areas of activities are wide-ranging. Some of the advisory bodies, such as the Telecommunications Standards Advisory Committee, deal with the interests of a particular industry. Others advise on a particular area of government policy interest, such as the Transport Advisory Committee. Some advisory bodies, such as the District Fire Safety Committees and Area Committees, deal essentially with district affairs. Statutory bodies perform their functions according to the relevant legislation. Some of them, such as the Hospital Authority, perform executive functions.

    Government officials and members of the public are represented on these bodies. About 6 000 members of the public have been appointed to serve on around 500 bodies, and some serve on more than one. These people are appointed in view of their specialist knowledge or expertise, their record or interest in contributing to community service, and the specific needs of the concerned bodies.

    The Government oversees the operation of the advisory and statutory bodies to ensure that they meet the needs of the community. A reasonable turnover of membership is generally maintained to keep up the inflow of new ideas. Guiding principles are being formulated for a review of the advisory and statutory bodies in the light of the Accountability System for Principal Officials, and public aspirations and expectations.