Experts Warn Regulatory Standards Bill Threatens Future Public Health Laws
One of the experts said it would have a 'chilling effect' on public health measures.
, Reporter
Public health experts are worried the government's proposed Regulatory Standards Bill will act as a disincentive for future law-makers to limit harmful industries.
A group of scholars in health and policy have worked together on a briefing, titled 'Regulatory Standards Bill threatens the public interest, public health and Māori rights'. It's authors are Jonathan Boston, Michael Baker, Andrew Geddis, Carwyn Jones and Geoffrey Palmer.
The Regulatory Standards Bill was introduced to Parliament in May, and is now being considered by the finance and expenditure committee.
It would set up a Regulatory Standards Board to consider how legislation measures up to the principles.
It was part of ACT's coalition agreement, and in putting the bill forward, party leader David Seymour said: 'In a high-cost economy, regulation isn't neutral – it's a tax on growth. This government is committed to clearing the path of needless regulations by improving how laws are made.'
The bill wants politicians to show their workings, he said.
'This bill turns the explanation from politicians' 'because we said so' into 'because here is the justification according to a set of principles'.'
But Baker said the bill had prompted a large number of concerns, not least from a public health perspective.
He said it was problematic that the bill failed to mention public harm in its ethical framework, which was needed to balance out private benefits.
Another issue was the 'takings or impairment principle'.
The bill in its current form would allow commercial interests, such as the tobacco or alcohol industries, to seek compensation – paid with public money – if any future legislation caused them to lose money.
Baker explained this would have a 'chilling effect' on public health measures. He said it would make it less appealing for governments to create any new legislation aimed at protecting public health which could negatively impact harmful industries, which might then seek compensation.
This could include the denicotinisation of cigarettes, alcohol restrictions like sponsorship bans, controls on unhealthy food and drink such as limiting marketing to children, and clean air provisions such as mandating emissions reductions by industry.
This bill would mean taxpayers paid to compensate these businesses for the money lost because of moves to protect public health.
'And that's going to make it very difficult for any groups – even governments – promoting new public health laws and regulations, that are intended to protect the public interest.'
The briefing notes that, rather than this being a by-product of the legislation's overall goal, it 'appears to be the Bill's intention'.
Seymour response
Seymour accused Baker of 'alarmism'.
'What the bill actually says is that if a politician or government department wants to pass a regulation that infringes on your private property rights, they'll need to justify why. Inconsistency with the principles does not prevent any new legislation from being passed. All it requires is transparency to the taxpayer. That's not radical, it's democratic accountability. If a policy is justified, it will stand up to scrutiny.'
'The Regulatory Standards Bill will help New Zealand get its mojo back. It requires politicians and officials to ask and answer certain questions before they place restrictions on citizens' freedoms. What problem are we trying to solve?' Seymour asked.
'What are the costs and benefits? Who pays the costs and gets the benefits? What restrictions are being placed on the use and exchange of private property?'
'This Bill turns 'because we said so' into 'because here's the evidence'.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
1News
6 hours ago
- 1News
Labour confirms Peeni Henare to face Oriini Kaipara in by-election
Labour has confirmed MP Peeni Henare will contest the by-election for the Tāmaki Makaurau seat, competing against Te Pāti Māori's Oriini Kaipara. Henare held the seat between 2014 and the most recent general election, when he narrowly lost to the late Takutai Tarsh Kemp, who stood for Te Pāti Māori. The list MP said his focus would be on fighting for "real solutions". "Everywhere I go, communities are saying loud and clear, that jobs, access to quality and affordable health services, affordable housing and relief from the rising cost of living must be a top priority," Henare said in a statement. "Tāmaki Makaurau is where I was born and is my home. I know the challenges that many whānau are facing. The cost of living is putting significant pressure on whānau just to put kai on the table. My focus is clear. To fight for real solutions so our people can flourish. ADVERTISEMENT "This means better paying jobs, making sure that when whānau are sick, they don't need to choose between kai and seeing the doctor and it means getting more whānau into warm, dry and safe homes." Labour leader Chris Hipkins said Henare had a "deep understanding of the issues that matter" and the "track record to deliver real solutions". "He has the experience and track record to deliver real solutions for working families, rangatahi, kaumātua and our most vulnerable whānau." Labour-TPM race shapes up National, the Greens, ACT and New Zealand First have ruled out standing a candidate in the by-election — on a date yet to be decided. Candidacy ceremonially affirms with korowai bestowed by the late Takutai Tash Kemp's son. (Source: 1News) That meant the majority of voters would likely choose between Labour and Te Pāti Māori, although Vision NZ leader Hannah Tamaki has also announce she would stand. ADVERTISEMENT Kaipara, a former news presenter and journalist, was announced as the candidate for Te Pāti Māori earlier this week. 'Māori are being attacked left, right and centre for purely existing. It's vile and it's not good enough,' Kaipara said in a statement after she was officially selected. 'My role now is to move from covering the story to changing it. "To every whānau in Tāmaki Makaurau, I am standing because our seat deserves to remain strong, grounded in te ao Māori, and guided by the voices of our people, united, determined, and unapologetically Māori." If a Te Pāti Māori candidate won the byelection, the party would keep its total at six MPs. But if Henare — already a list MP — won the seat for Labour, then he would become an electorate MP and his party would be able to bring their next person on the list who was Georgie Dansey. Labour would go from 34 to 35 seats. If another party won the race, there would be no change to the overall number of MPs. ADVERTISEMENT In all scenarios, the total number of MPs remained at 123 due to an existing seat overhang.
Scoop
8 hours ago
- Scoop
'It Is An Interesting Time' - Tania Simpson Takes Over As Chair Of Waitangi Trust
Tania Te Rangingangana Simpson, new chair of the Waitangi National Trust Board. The new chairperson of the Waitangi National Trust Board says she intends to hit the ground running in what will ultimately be a short term. Tania Te Rangingangana Simpson ONZM becomes the first wāhine to hold the role of chair since the trust's establishment in 1932, replacing Pita Tipene who stepped down last month after serving for the maximum length of nine years. Simpson has served as a trustee of the Waitangi National Trust since 2017 and as deputy chair since 2021, representing the descendants of the chief Pomare. Like Tipene, she too is approaching the nine-year term limit, but she said there is still time for her to help strengthen the governance and assist the continued development of Waitangi. "So that just means I need to not waste any time but to use the time wisely. It also means thinking about succession and thinking about what will happen at the end of that term and supporting the board through its processes to prepare for that. "So the time may be short but I think we can achieve a lot during that time." The Waitangi National Trust is the guardian of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and facilitates the annual Waitangi Day celebrations. Simpson (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu, Tainui) currently serves on the boards of Auckland International Airport, Meridian Energy and Waste Management New Zealand. Her previous roles include board positions with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, AgResearch and Tainui Group Holdings. Simpson said she is looking forward to taking on what may come in the new role, saying there is important work to do. "[I'm] pleased that we have a woman chair so that it demonstrates to other women and to younger women that these positions are open to them to pursue." Simpson said she prefers a collaborative style of leadership, something she plans to extend to the government despite heightened tensions during the last two Waitangi commemorations. "While there may be heightened discussions around aspects of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how that is given effect to in our current world in particular in government processes, Waitangi itself continues to be the place for that kind of dialogue to occur and the place for all New Zealanders and in particular the parties to the treaty to come together and talk." The trust has enjoyed a good working relationship with government over the years, with the government continuing to support Waitangi through projects and development funding, she said. The trust is much more focused on maintaining Waitangi as a special, tapu place where the treaty was signed and were the spirit of partnership was agreed, she said. "We look after that place and space and the wairua of that place in order that the parties can come together and experience it and reflect and talk about what it means to us today." Simpson said ultimately the dialogue between Māori and government is a good thing and Waitangi is an appropriate place for it to happen. "It is an interesting time, an interesting juncture in the development of our nationhood in that we are having conversations nationally around the place of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, around what the treaty promised, about what it means and how we will reflect that within our national systems and structures." Orginisations like the Waitangi National Trust and the Waitangi Tribunal which are close to the treaty and its history have a role to play in working through those discussions and getting to a good conclusion, she said. Lisa Tumahai, the former chair of Ngāi Tahu and representative on the board of the people, Pākeha and Māori, living in the South Island, will step into the roll of deputy chair. The chief executive of Waitangi Ltd Ben Dalton said Simpson's appointment is not only a landmark for the trust but a testament to her unwavering dedication to the kaupapa of the treaty. "Her leadership will help deepen the understanding and relevance of Waitangi for generations to come," he said.
RNZ News
17 hours ago
- RNZ News
ACT rally to focus on supermarkets, free speech, economy
FOR SUNDAY AM ACT is holding their annual rally on Sunday in Auckland. Shown: ACT leader David Seymour at last year's rally in Auckland. Photo: RNZ / MARIKA KHABAZI The ACT Party is hosting its annual "Free & Equal" rally in Auckland, as it takes stock of the first half of its term in government and unveils a policy to help competition in the supermarket sector. ACT leader David Seymour said the Sunday event was a chance to look back at what had been achieved, as well as forward towards "what New Zealand needs from us and from the government over the next 15 months". But speaking to RNZ, he rejected the notion it marked the start of the election campaign, saying the best campaigning is simply doing "our job in government". The rally will feature policy updates from ACT ministers and MPs, as well as a keynote speech from Seymour, currently deputy prime minister, and an international guest speaker that is causing concern for a group in Pōneke. ACT MP Cameron Luxton will MC the event, and ACT ministers due to speak are Brooke van Velden, Nicole McKee, Karen Chhour, Andrew Hoggard and Simon Court. Updates will include outlining progress on crime, economic reform, and reducing regulatory burdens, as well as on the government's policy programme. This will be an opportunity for the party to outline to its supporters the progress made while in government, and look ahead to the second half of the political term. The party will also outline its policy to tackle the lack of competition in the supermarket sector, which will likely look at cutting red tape to help overseas players get a foothold. Seymour said the coalition was elected to tackle the cost of living, crime and co-governance, and added that the country now faces a "challenge with health." But he said in each of those areas the government could point to "significant progress", while acknowledging there were still "substantial challenges" - particularly around the cost of living. "Our challenge is to see economic growth occur so that salaries grow in a real way, keeping up with the increase in prices they've faced." Asked whether - like NZ First - the halfway point was an opportunity to turn into campaign mode, Seymour said no, because it was "important that we do our job in government." "That's the best campaigning that you can do," he said. Seymour acknowledged there would be a different set of issues in 2026 than what was present in 2023, and if that wasn't the case, "it means that we haven't done a very good job of addressing the tasks they gave us". "So we do need to start thinking about the next election, but it's not here yet." In terms of what ACT supporters had been indicating the key issues were, Seymour said there had been "six years of long trouble" starting with the terror attacks in 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic, then inflation and high interest rates, recession and unemployment. "Now we face, probably the most uncertain geopolitical situation in several generations. "What we need is some hope to stop scapegoating, to start problem solving, really rally together as the pioneering nation that we can be so that we can address some of those long term problems around productivity, healthcare, cost of living, and really just having a sense that now we're getting somewhere." Last year, the rally was sold out and broadcaster Paul Henry's keynote speech had more than 200,000 views online. ACT described its annual gathering as an opportunity to connect with supporters, outline the party's policy direction, and foster open debate on the country's future. The latest RNZ Reid research poll, taken after the release of the Budget in May, had ACT down 2.8 points to 6.8 percent . More recently, the Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll, published on Thursday, showed ACT on 9.1 percent , unchanged from their last poll in June. There will also be an "international guest keynote" from Dr James Lindsay, an American author, mathematician, and "prominent advocate for free speech". "Dr. Lindsay is one of the world's leading lights in challenging ideological extremes," Seymour said. "His insights on defending free expression and liberal values are especially relevant in New Zealand today." The Pōneke Anti-fascist Coalition has raised concerns about the ACT party hosting Lindsay, claiming he peddled harmful conspiracies and held radical views. The group was founded in 2022 following the occupation at Parliament. Since then they've organised various rallies and community events to show opposition to "far right ideas". A member of the group, Anne Campbell, said she was concerned the party had invited Lindsay to "rark up their base" and pointed to an article on the Southern Poverty Law Centre website outlining claims by Lindsay. The SPLC was established in 1971 to carry on work from the civil rights movement in the United States of America. Its website states it works in partnership with communities to "dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people". The SPLC article highlighted statements by Lindsay, including reference to the pride flag as "the flag of a hostile enemy": Screenshots show a tweet under Lindsay's handle @ConceptualJames. Lol what? It also highlighted a post on social media by Lindsay from 2023, saying "Drag Queen Story Hour is an initiation rite into the cult of Queer Gnosticism". Drag Queen Story Hour is an initiation rite into the cult of Queer Gnosticism. The tweet linked to a podcast on Lindsay's website stating "Queer Theory is the doctrine of a cult". The synopsis for the podcast told listeners to join Lindsay to "understand our danger." "This discussion will not only lay Queer Theory bare for the social-spiritual cult belief system that it is, but it will also make sense of the destructive phenomena like sexual graphic novels in our school libraries, Drag Queen Story Hour, and the relentless push for queer and trans everything into all aspects of our culture. Join him to understand our danger." Campbell said it was "really troubling" to bring these ideas into New Zealand and further "stoke that kind of hatred". She acknowledged Lindsay may not directly be "doing damage to minorities himself" but said it was "poisoning the well of political discourse and turning it further right". Seymour told RNZ he admired Lindsay's book Cynical Theories and met him while he was in New Zealand earlier in the year. "We got together, and we hit it off, and I think he's a very thoughtful and decent person." The Free Speech Union hosted Lindsay for a speaking tour earlier this year , where he also appeared on TVNZ's Q+A . In response to the concerns of the Pōneke Antifascist Coalition Seymour said he did not agree with the description of the pride flag as an enemy flag. "I march in the Pride Parade most years myself, so I wouldn't say that I agree with this. I wasn't aware that James Lindsay had said that. "If he has, it doesn't really bother me, because I've got lots of friends I disagree with, and I think it's healthy. "If I agreed with everything that everybody I associated with had ever said, we'd have a very boring place or maybe no friends." In regards to the claims about Drag Queen Story Time, Seymour said parents could decide for themselves who read stories to their children. "I don't really know why anyone else would think it was their business." The concerns were coming from a "pretty obscure extreme left so-called Anti-Fascist group," Seymour said. "They're entitled to their view, but I'm certainly not going to let them define what I think," he said. "People are a little tired of cancel culture and ideological purity tests." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
