On this page
Two of the key documents are a regulatory analysis summary (RAS) and a consistency accountability statement (CAS).
Together, these documents support transparent and accountable law-making by explaining:
- why a regulatory change is being proposed
- the options that were considered
- how the proposal aligns with the principles of responsible regulation.
Regulatory analysis summaries#
A regulatory analysis summary (RAS) provides information about a proposed regulatory change and the options considered to address a problem or issue. It is developed during the policy approval stage. It helps ministers understand the likely impacts of different approaches before decisions are made.
A RAS typically includes:
- the nature and scope of the issue being addressed
- why government intervention may be needed
- the options available, including non-regulatory alternatives
- the expected costs, benefits, and impacts of each option
- the views of stakeholders and others consulted during policy development
- how any changes would be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.
Regulatory analysis summaries replaced regulatory impact statements (RISs) on 1 July 2026.
Consistency accountability statements#
A consistency accountability statement (CAS) explains whether proposed legislation is consistent with the principles of responsible regulation set out in the Regulatory Standards Act 2025.
A CAS is developed during the legislation approval stage. It helps Parliament and the public understand how legislation has been assessed and highlights any areas where it departs from those principles.
A CAS typically includes:
- confirmation that the legislation has been assessed against the principles of responsible regulation
- an assessment of whether the legislation is consistent or inconsistent with those principles
- a summary of any identified inconsistencies and the principles affected
- information about the policy trade offs that have informed the design of the legislation.
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website has more information about expectations for good lawmaking.
Expectations for good lawmaking – Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC)
The Regulatory Standards Act – Ministry for Regulation
Documents on this page#
The documents below include:
- regulatory analysis summaries (RASs) prepared from 1 July 2026
- consistency accountability statements (CASs) prepared from 1 July 2026.
Previous RISs are on the Ministry for Regulations website.
Regulatory Analysis Summaries (RASs) – Ministry for Regulation
