Final answer:
Public inquiry plays an important role in the development of public policy in countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It provides transparency, accountability, and allows affected individuals or groups to have their voices heard.
Step-by-step explanation:
In countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, public inquiry plays an important role in the development of public policy. It is a process where government-appointed bodies or individuals investigate and collect evidence on a specific issue or incident. Public inquiries provide transparency, accountability, and the opportunity for affected individuals or groups to have their voices heard.
For example, in the UK, public inquiries have been conducted on various topics including the Grenfell Tower fire, banking scandals, and historical child abuse cases. These inquiries aim to uncover the truth behind the incidents, identify any wrongdoing, make recommendations for improvement, and hold responsible parties accountable.
Public inquiries involve gathering evidence through interviews, documents, and expert testimonies. The findings and recommendations of the inquiries are usually published in a report, which can lead to changes in policies, regulations, or even legal actions.