Guidance for policy makers

Queensland Government Guide to Better Regulation

The Queensland Government Guide to Better Regulation (guidelines) is an administrative policy that assists agencies to:

  • develop regulation that is necessary, effective and efficient, and has clear benefits for Queensland
  • achieve policy objectives through better interactions between regulators and their stakeholders.

 

Guidance notes

The following guidance notes give more detail on key steps of the regulatory review process and provide further information on some requirements under the guidelines.

Key steps in regulatory impact analysis

Problem definition
Determine if there is a problem of sufficient size and scope, and whether there is a case for government action.

Policy objectives
Identify the objectives of government action.

Policy options
The policy options guidance note lists types of options including market-based instruments and co-regulation and self-regulation which are dealt with in greater detail in the alternatives to traditional regulation guidance note.

Alternatives to traditional regulation
Encourage agencies to consider a broader range of options, beyond traditional regulation, when developing a policy response to ensure that the option delivering the greatest net benefit is identified.

Impact assessment
Assess the costs and benefits of the potential options to identify the option that maximises the net benefit to the Queensland community.

Assessing competition impacts
Assess specific issues that should be considered where a legislative proposal includes a restriction on competition.

Implementation and evaluation
Where regulation is proposed, assess key implementation issues and establish an evaluation framework.

Best practice consultation
Consult affected stakeholders at all stages of the regulatory cycle.

Further information on requirements under the guidelines

Exclusions from undertaking regulatory impact analysis
Some regulatory proposals may not benefit from regulatory impact analysis because the costs of doing so would outweigh the benefits.

When is a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) required?
The trigger or requirement to conduct a RIS is where the proposed regulatory change is likely to result in significant adverse impacts.

Review of expiring legislation (sunset reviews)
Key points to consider when undertaking a review of expiring regulation (sunset review).

Undertaking a Regulatory Impact Statement for fees
Completing a RIS about regulatory fees and charges for government provided goods and services.

Post implementation review (PIR)
The purpose of a PIR is to assess the impacts, effectiveness and continued relevance of regulations that have been recently made and are in force.

Implementing National Agreements
Leverage regulatory impact analysis performed in other jurisdictions to inform Queensland stakeholders and decision-makers.

Templates

OBPR assessed exclusion

Preliminary Impact Assessment

Sunset review

Last updated: 5 September 2022