Kerr on Regulatory Responsibility Bill

Roger Kerr writes in the NZ Herald on how Rodney Hide’s Regulatory Responsibility Bill is “a golden opportunity to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of government”.

Before any new law or regulation is passed, the following questions will need to be answered publicly:

• What is the rule for?
• Will it work?
• Is there a cost, and if so, are the benefits greater?
• Does it involve taking someone’s private property?
• If so, will they be compensated?

I would hope few are against an explicit statement of why the law is needed, what the benefits and costs are and what the impact on private property rights are.