Update on the Quality Regulation Review
In the last issue of the Regulatory Review we outlined the projects that make up the Quality Regulation Review. Here we provide an update on progress made to date.
Overall the review is progressing well with the work programme expected to be completed within the first half of 2007. Over 600 issues have been lodged in the business consultation database, including those raised in the sector study interviews within the wine, hospitality, retail and horticulture sectors, which have now been completed. Reports of these interviews have been drafted and departments are looking at the problems and solutions put forward, as well as alternative solutions for addressing the issues raised.
Departments are required to report to their Ministers before Christmas with the list of issues and solutions related to them, both those that can be dealt with in the short term through a potential 2007 omnibus bill and those for which the "fix" may require more work. The Minister of Commerce will then report to Cabinet with a list of proposed solutions by 5 February 2007.
The individual projects that make up the review are at various stages.
Interface Projects
DoL is leading the project on the interface between HSE, ACC and HSNO legislation. The main issues raised relate to information provision, hazard management requirements and agency processes and interactions.
DoL have identified some initial solutions, including creating an on-line "Hazard Builder" for SMEs, developing a transparent enforcement policy and reviewing methods used in ACC auditing programmes. Consultation is continuing, and the list of possible solutions may be expanded.
DBH is leading the project on the interface between resource and building consents. A report has been written summarising the main issues raised by business. Issues relate to accessible information, connections between related requirements, expectations and accountabilities for administrative performance, consistency of administration/decision making across local authorities, and labour and skill shortages.
DBH has identified some initiatives to address these issues including reviewing the accessibility of information and developing indicators for administrative performance.
The Minister for Building Issues has signed off on this report and it has been forwarded to the Minister of Commerce, the Minister for the Environment, the Minister for Local Government and the President of Local Government New Zealand for their consideration and comment. DBH will prepare a paper based on the conclusions of the report by 29 January 2007.
Fast Track Vehicle
Departments are working on the basis that an Omnibus Bill for the reduction of regulatory burdens (e.g. a Regulatory Frameworks Improvement Bill) will be considered by Parliament. Departments can put forward potential items for the Bill as part of the 22 December report to Ministers.
Strengthened Regulatory Impact Analysis Requirements
Cabinet agreed in October to a package of proposals to enhance the regulatory impact statement (RIS) regime. A Cabinet Office circular outlining the new requirements will be issued in early 2007 and the RIAU is producing revised RIS Guidelines.
Business Cost Calculator
Development of the BCC is on track. It is expected to be ready for use by agencies in the first half of 2007.
Enforcement Strategies
In November an enforcement strategies forum was held with 35 regulators, managers and policy analysts. The discussion attracted engagement and interest. This project will lead to guidelines that identify what needs to be considered when designing new regulation.
Other
Other projects underway include a project considering the benefits of regulatory flexibility (including exemptions and performance-based requirements) and a project assessing the role of standards in regulatory frameworks, which links in with the review of the Standards and Conformance Infrastructure.
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