Joint NRCoP & New Zealand Ministry for Regulation Presents: Making the system work better: Regulatory change from design to delivery

Governments across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand are increasingly examining whether existing regulatory structures remain fit for purpose. While consolidation is often presented as a solution to challenges such as duplication, fragmentation and regulatory burden, the more important question is what outcome is being sought. Whether the goal is to improve regulatory performance, reduce costs, simplify interactions for regulated communities or strengthen accountability, structural reform is only one of several options available to governments.

This joint National Regulators Community of Practice (NRCoP) and New Zealand Ministry for Regulation event explores how leaders can take a system-wide view when considering regulatory reform. Drawing on The State of New Zealand’s Regulatory Systems, the first comprehensive assessment of New Zealand’s regulatory landscape, the discussion will examine how evidence-based analysis can support better decisions about regulatory design and governance.

Secretary for New Zealand’s Ministry for Regulation, Gráinne Moss, will share insights from the review, including what the mapping of more than 260 regulatory organisations reveals about the distribution of responsibilities, areas of overlap and coordination challenges across the system. Erin Williams and Eugene Henry will provide an Australian perspective, reflecting on Victoria’s current regulatory consolidation initiatives and the creation of Safe Food Victoria.

Through a panel discussion, speakers will explore when consolidation may strengthen regulatory outcomes, when alternative approaches may be more effective, and what decision-makers should consider before embarking on significant structural change. Participants will gain practical tools and questions to help assess reform proposals, including how to define intended outcomes, identify system interdependencies, manage transition risks and determine the critical capabilities needed from day one.

This session will be valuable for regulators, policy practitioners and public sector leaders interested in regulatory reform, system stewardship and effective regulatory design.

We warmly welcome regulatory professionals from all levels of government and experience to join us.

**Participation in NRCoP activities is for the purpose of connecting and building the professionalism of practising regulators and not for undertaking any form of commercial activity.