The Regulatory Powers (Standard Provisions) Bill 2014 has been introduced into the House of Representatives.

If passed it will introduce standard regulatory powers for Commonwealth agencies provided its provisions are applied by the primary legislation.

The key features of the Bill include monitoring and investigation powers as well as enforcement provisions through use of civil penalty, infringement notices, enforceable undertakings and injunctions.

Once enacted, the powers provided by the Bill will be rolled out progressively. New Acts that require monitoring, investigation or enforcement powers of the kind available under the Regulatory Powers Bill will be drafted to trigger the relevant provisions of this Bill.

Over time, existing laws will be reviewed and, if appropriate, amended to trigger the relevant provisions of the Regulatory Powers Bill.