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, the best possible advice on which to base decisions or to perform statutory functions.

Advisory bodies give advice to the Government through a Principal Official or a Head of Department. A few advisory bodies tender their advice directly to the Chief Executive. The activities of advisory boards are wide-ranging. Some, such as the Telecommunications Standards Advisory Committee, deal with the interests of a particular industry. Others advise on a particular area of government policy, such as the Transport Advisory Committee, while the District Councils deal with district affairs. Statutory bodies perform their functions according to the relevant legislation. For example, the Hospital Authority has executive powers and manages all public hospitals.

Government officials and the public are represented on these bodies. Over 4 000 members of the public are serving on about 400 bodies. These people are appointed because of their specialist knowledge or expertise, their record of, or interest in, contributing to community service and the specific needs of the concerned bodies. Many are also nominees or representatives from organisations in different sectors.

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 maintained to ensure a flow of new ideas. The Government will continue to enhance the participation of various sectors in the work of advisory and statutory bodies, in particular, women, young people and the disadvantaged. It will also continue to promote the public's understanding of their work through a number of measures aimed at improving transparency.