Best practice regulation
The QPC’s Office of Best Practice Regulation (OBPR) administers the Queensland Government’s regulatory framework. The framework aims to ensure the development, review and administration of regulation is necessary, effective and efficient, thereby achieving policy objectives while minimising costs on business and the community:
- the Queensland Government Better Regulation Policy outlines the government’s requirements for the development and review of regulation
- the Queensland Government's Regulator Performance Framework outlines requirements relating to the administration of regulation.
The OBPR provides regulatory advice to government, and analytical support and training to officers on the development of regulation and application of regulatory best practice principles.
Better Regulation Policy
The regulatory review requirements set out in the Queensland Government Better Regulation Policy aim to improve the quality of regulation through a robust, transparent and evidence-based process. The OBPR provides a range of resources to support agencies in meeting the requirements.
Notify the OBPR of regulatory proposal or provide an Impact Analysis Statement
Notify the OBPR of a regulatory proposal, provide an Impact Analysis Statement (IAS) being submitted to decision makers or an approved IAS for publication, by emailing obpr@qpc.qld.gov.au.
Templates
Estimate compliance costs
- Direct costs calculator tool (standard)
- Direct costs calculator tool (simplified)
- User guide: Direct costs calculator
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
Identify policy options including regulatory and non-regulatory options (also see Alternatives to traditional regulation).
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.