Regulation review outcomes welcomed

Media release

2 May 2007

Regulation review outcomes welcomed

Progress made by the Government’s Quality Regulation Review is welcome but should be seen as a first step towards a significant and ongoing improvement in the quality of regulation, Business NZ says.

Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly said a key outcome was strengthened requirements for Regulatory Impact Analysis to be undertaken on all new legislation. This involves an examination of all potential impacts from the legislation being contemplated.

“As long as politicians adhere to this requirement, it can be expected to help reduce the amount of expensive, wasteful legislation passed by Parliament,” he said.

Mr O’Reilly said there were many recent examples of legislation that had inadequate or no Regulatory Impact Analysis undertaken, including the Waste Minimisation (Solids) Bill that would impose an extra waste levy for use of landfills, and the SOE Bill that would stop AgriQuality Ltd and Asure NZ Ltd from competing in the area of meat inspection services.

“Having stronger requirements for Regulatory Impact Analysis could help prevent laws that deliver unintended negative consequences.

“There is still much more to be done to reduce New Zealand’s unnecessary red tape, but a promising start has been made,” Mr O’Reilly said.

ENDS

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