In previous issues of the Regulatory Review we have outlined the projects that make up the Quality Regulation Review (the Review), and have provided updates on progress made. In this issue we provide an overview of the reports delivered so far in 2007, and outline further progress on some of the key projects.
The Review is now in the final stage, with sound progress having been made. Departments have been working hard to respond to the issues raised by submitters so far, finding both legislative and non-legislative solutions to things that frustrate business and cause unnecessary compliance costs, uncertainty and delays. A number of initiatives have been, or soon will be, put in place by departments to address some of businesses key concerns. The details of some of these initiatives will be announced by the Minister of Commerce as part of the Second Milestone Report shortly.
The Review is still on track for completion in July 2007. While good progress has been made so far, the last stage of the Review will focus on ensuring that every opportunity is taken to deliver the best results for business. To achieve this, as well as highlighting areas progressed so far, the Second Milestone Report identifies further work to be progressed prior to July 2007. More on the Second Milestone Report below.
Milestone Reports
Several important milestone reports on the Quality Regulation Review have been prepared.
In February 2007, Cabinet considered a preliminary report on progress in finding solutions to address issues identified during the Review. The paper also directed departments to develop solutions to these issues in time for the Second Milestone Report for the Review.
Work on the Review has focused on preparing the Second Milestone Report. This has recently been considered by Cabinet, along with a paper outlining the first tranche of proposed legislative amendments for a proposed Omnibus Bill. Announcements detailing the content of these papers have also recently been made by the Minister of Commerce. Copies of the relevant Cabinet papers are available on the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) website, along with the Minister's media release on the Second Milestone Report at: Quality Regulation Review.
Good progress is being made in all of the projects, with work on track to meet the 31 July 2007 final report back on the Review [CAB Min (06) 18/3 refers]. The key points to note are:
Interface Projects
The Interface Study on the interaction of building and resource consent processes resulted in Cabinet considering a paper entitled Quality Regulation Review: Resource/Building Interface Study Findings in February 2007.
Sector Studies
Interviews of businesses in the four sectors (wine, hospitality, horticulture and retailing) have been completed and the regulatory issues identified passed to the relevant government departments for response. A report summarising the key issues heard from business, and the responses provided by government, is currently being prepared and will be released as part of the Final Report on the Review in July 2007.
Strengthened Regulatory Impact Analysis Requirements
Changes to the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) regime came into effect on 1 April 2007. A Cabinet Office Circular and new RIA guidelines have been prepared. (More detail on the changes is provided in the article above, Analysis - A Key Feature of the New Regulatory Impact Analysis Regime).
Further Submissions
Any further submissions on quality of regulation issues are still welcome on the Ministry's business consultation website. It you want to have your say, visit: Quality Rules for Business [link to Business Consultation website].
Dawn Leung-Wai and Morag McConville