Minister Welcomes Regulatory Responsibility Taskforce Teport

The Regulatory Responsibility Taskforce's recommendations for improving the quality of law-making in New Zealand have been welcomed by Regulatory Reform Minister Rodney Hide.

"New Zealanders need to know how proposed laws with affect them," Mr Hide said. "We need better law making through greater transparency and greater accountability, and the Taskforce's recommendations will help us deliver that goal."

The Taskforce was established in April to provide independent expert advice on the Regulatory Responsibility Bill that was considered by Parliament's Commerce Select Committee in 2008. Former Treasury Secretary Dr Graham Scott chaired the Taskforce. Other taskforce members were Paul Baines, Richard Clarke QC, Jack Hodder, Hon David Caygill, Dr Bryce Wilkinson, and Dr Don Turkington.

Mr Hide said the Taskforce had improved on the original bill, which was a significant and pioneering piece of legislation.

The Taskforce has recommended that Ministers and Chief Executives be required to certify whether or not a regulatory proposal is consistent with a set of good practice regulatory principles, and to justify any departures.

"Under the Taskforce's Bill, anyone who feels that the principles have been breached and Ministers haven't been transparent about it can apply to the courts for a Declaration of Incompatibility," Mr Hide said. "However, Parliament's sovereignty will be totally maintained, as the courts will not be able to stop or over-ride legislation."

The establishment of the Taskforce was included in the ACT-National Confidence and Supply Agreement and forms part of a government-wide review to lift the quality of regulation.

The Taskforce's report is available at: http://www.treasury.govt.nz/economy/regulation/rrb/taskforcereport