RACS is strongly opposed to the proposed Regulatory Standards Bill and recommends it not proceed further.
The principles outlined in the proposed Bill are:
- selective and narrow, focusing on individual and corporate rights, property rights, and restricting the role of government
- lacking key public health priorities like equity, environmental sustainability, the precautionary principle, the rights of future generations and te Tiriti principles
- likely to constrain future governments’ ability to prioritise and protect public health, the wellbeing of future generations, the environment, and the rights of Māori
- driving the introduction of unnecessary costly new legislation which could increase the burden on our health system
The proposed Bill would likely undermine public health priorities such as health equity, climate change mitigation, and reducing harm from commercial determinants of health. The Bill could also increase pressure on the already overstretched healthcare system.
If the Bill proceeds it must be substantively modified to balance various rights and interests, particularly ensuring Māori rights under te Tiriti are respected. RACS has offered to engage in discussion to address these concerns and contribute to development of a more balanced regulatory approach.
Read submissions by RACS Aotearoa New Zealand National Committee (PDF 203.41KB) and RACS Māori Health Advisory Group (PDF 190.98KB).