REGULATORY STANDARDS BILL

Steve from Redwood Valley

With 18 days left to submit on the Regulatory Standards Bill (the deadline is June 23, 2025, at 1 PM NZST), a "thought of the day":

"The Regulatory Standards Bill has far-reaching implications, not only for how laws are made but also for the balance of power between government, corporations, and the public interest, including Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Now is the time to consider these potential shifts and make your voice heard in the democratic process."

It's clear that the bill is highly controversial, with significant concerns raised about its potential impact on:

1) Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Many critics argue the bill sidelines or undermines the Treaty, as it explicitly excludes it from the principles that future laws must align with.
2) Corporate Power and Property Rights: A major concern is the "regulatory takings clause," which could allow corporations to sue the government for compensation if new regulations (even those designed to protect the environment or public health) diminish their "property" or profit expectations. There's even a concern that beneficiaries of new regulations (like iwi or environmental groups) could be liable for these compensation claims.
3) Democratic Process: Critics worry that the bill centralises too much power in the Minister for Regulation and an un-elected Regulatory Standards Board, potentially limiting the discretion of future elected governments to act in the public interest.
4) Environmental Protection and Public Safety: The emphasis on property rights and individual freedoms is seen by some as potentially hindering future efforts to enact regulations that protect the environment, public health, and workers' rights.

While the bill's proponents argue it promotes transparency and good law-making principles, the level of opposition and the strong criticisms highlight the urgent need for individuals and groups to understand its potential consequences and make submissions before the deadline.