Guidance for policy makers

Queensland Government Better Regulation Policy

The Queensland Government Better Regulation Policy (the Policy) is an administrative policy that assists agencies to develop and review regulation that is necessary, effective and efficient, and has clear benefits for Queensland.

The policy is set out in three parts:

  • the regulatory review requirements — the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) process that must be undertaken for all new and amending regulation
  • preparing an Impact Analysis Statement (IAS) — the requirements and guidance for preparing an IAS
  • appendix — IAS template.

Templates

Estimate compliance costs

 

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 Policy.

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 Policy

What level of IAS is required?
Guidance on the level of information, consultation and analysis to be included in an IAS, based on the policy issue and potential impacts that may arise from the proposal.

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

Completing an IAS for fees
Completing a IAS about regulatory fees and charges for government provided goods and services.

Post implementation IAS
The purpose of a Post Implementation IAS 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.

Understanding small business impacts
Small businesses can sometimes face disproportionate costs in fulfilling regulatory obligations compared to larger businesses.

Risk based regulatory approaches
The adoption of risk-based approaches to regulation can deliver better regulatory outcomes while reducing costs for business and the community.

Last updated: 14 September 2023