Regulation is often necessary to achieve economic, social and environmental objectives. It includes any laws or other government endorsed rules where there is an expectation of compliance. However, poor regulation can stifle business and jobs, have other adverse social or environmental impacts, and might not even address the problem it was intended to solve.
Regulatory review is intended to improve the quality of regulation through a robust, transparent and evidence-based process to identify the option that effectively addresses the policy problem while benefiting society most.
Better regulation requirements
Queensland’s regulatory review framework is set out in the Queensland Government Better Regulation Policy (the Policy) which was introduced in 2023.
The Policy sets out the regulatory impact analysis (RIA) framework which provides a systematic approach to investigate and analyse the nature of a policy problem, considers whether there is a case for government action, identifies feasible options to address the problem, and analyses the pros and cons of each option. The framework also considers how effectively a regulation is implemented.
There are five key steps under the Policy:
- Step 1 – Advise the Office of Best Practice Regulation (OBPR): An agency must notify the OBPR when a regulatory solution has first been identified as a viable option to address a policy issue under consideration. For proposals likely to require RIA, basic information (as noted in section 1.3 of the Policy) should be provided to the OBPR with the notification.
- Step 2 – Prepare an Impact Analysis Statement (IAS): An IAS is required for all regulatory proposals, with the level of analysis, degree of quantification of impacts and extent of consultation undertaken to vary depending on the regulatory proposal.
- Step 3 – IAS approval: An IAS must be approved and signed by the Minister and Director-General.
- Step 4 – Undertake formal consultation process (for significant proposals only): Proposals with significant impacts require a Full IAS consisting of a Consultation IAS and a Decision IAS.
- Step 5 – Publish the IAS: All IASs must be published on the departmental website and a copy provided to the OBPR for its records following final approval of the regulatory proposal by the relevant decision-making body (such as Cabinet or Governor-in-Council). IASs should be maintained on the departmental website.
Further information on the key steps of RIA and requirements under the Policy are provided here.
Role of the Office of Best Practice Regulation
OBPR provides regulatory advice, analytical support and training on the development of regulation, application of regulatory best practice principles and RIA.
It is responsible for:
- providing advice on the costs, benefits and risks of regulation
- assisting agencies to scope policy problems, estimate impacts, identify and develop alternative options and undertake cost-benefit analysis
- providing training to Queensland Government officers on RIA, including the preparation of IASs
- reporting annually on agency implementation of RIA.
The OBPR also manages implementation and oversight of the Queensland Government’s Regulator Performance Framework.
For Better Regulation advice and support, please contact the OBPR at obpr@treasury.qld.gov.au.
Notify the OBPR of regulatory proposal or provide an IAS
Notify the OBPR when a regulatory solution has first been identified as a viable option to address a policy issue under consideration, or provide an IAS for the OBPR’s records, by emailing obpr@treasury.qld.gov.au.
Training
For Queensland Government officers: Improve your regulatory analysis, and learn how to calculate compliance costs and apply best practice policy principles in Queensland by undertaking training.