Couldn't agree more with that Sunfish. You have probably been done over by their processes before. So have I only not in the Aviation field (in my case it was to do with the selloffs of a public utility ) and it's safe guards on prices and service which we all pay for now, as it all meant for nothing.
Your point on them setting up/providing consultants etc is spot on. Do not let them! You must keep control of the agenda and process. They will of course use the age old tactic of divide and conquer . The old " you engineers shouldn't be told by pilots what's in your best interest etc. Will be used where ever an opportunity arises.
As for the current Minister. Word has it he is next to useless on anything technical/operational and will dither and stall till the cows come home finally doing just what his department tells him.
Good luck...me thinks you going to need it.