Looking up Roman magistrate at depot without leader (12)

I believe the answer is:

consultation

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'looking up roman' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'magistrate at depot without leader' is the wordplay.
'magistrate at' becomes 'consul' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'depot' becomes 'station' (I've seen this in another clue).
'without leader' means to remove the first letter.
'station' with its first letter removed is 'tation'.
'consul'+'tation'='CONSULTATION'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for consultation that I've seen before include "discussions" , "Conference" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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