Regulatory & Cost-Benefit Analysis

Assessing Economic Viability

Our in-depth understanding of regulatory systems allows us to provide decisive evidence-based analysis to help decision-makers make informed decisions.

We provide practical advice – from designing regulatory systems and public interventions to detailed modelling and implementation.

Our expertise is frequently sought out by government departments, regulators and regulated entities to provide specialist support and advice on the potential impacts of regulatory and government decisions.

Our highly skilled team includes economists, former senior public officials, former regulators and skilled data analysts.

What we do

Cost-benefit analysis
Regulatory impact statements
Advice on economic regulation including price-quality regulation, market structure and regulatory interventions
Competition and market analysis
Complex modelling
Regulatory and operational strategies
Compliance and monitoring frameworks
Prioritisation and investment decision-making
Risk identification
Business cases.

Examples of our work in regulatory and cost-benefit analysis

Cost-benefit analysis of an organic waste collection service
Pricing for third-party access to water infrastructure services
Cost-benefit analysis of proposed building system regulations
Regulatory Impact Statement for the Kermadec Marine Sanctuary
Modelling wholesale price risks for downstream investment decisions
Regulatory impact statement for land information regulations
Calculating the cost burden on developers to consent infrastructure projects
Cost-benefit analysis of transmission pricing proposal
Cost-benefit analysis of community recycling centres
Cost-benefit information to support a regulatory impact statement on National Environmental Standards for Drinking Water
Development of a cost-benefit analysis database for central government
Advice on the economic regulation of Three Waters services.

We work with our clients to ensure the evidence base is fit for purpose and frequently extends beyond conventional methods to provide tailored analysis and data sets.

Key contacts

David Graham

Managing Director
MELBOURNE
dgraham@thinkSapere.com

Dr Richard Tooth

Director
SYDNEY
rtooth@thinkSapere.com

David Moore

Managing Director
WELLINGTON
dmoore@thinkSapere.com

Sally Carrick

Director
MELBOURNE
scarrick@thinkSapere.com

Melissa Skilbeck

Director
MELBOURNE
mskilbeck@thinkSapere.com

Michelle Hall

Managing Economist
BRISBANE
mhall@thinkSapere.com

Some of our recent articles of interest

Staff spotlight – Sue Friend

This month we spotlight Sue Friend, a Managing Director in our Forensics team. Sue shares her love of the outdoors and hiking and finds this brings balance to her work at Sapere.

Thinking about utility customer engagement

In this article Dr Richard Tooth examines developments in how regulated utilities engage with their customers, the problem of uninformed respondent bias and other issues.

Sunset review of the regulations for Victorian private health service establishments

Client: Victorian Department of Health

This report analyses proposed changes to Victoria's Health Service Establishment Regulations, focusing on improving clinical governance, safety, and quality. The RIS reviewed the impact of these changes and provided recommendations.

Staff spotlight – Dr Jamie O’Hare

This month, we spotlight Dr Jamie O'Hare, Managing Economist and proud new dad to baby Stirling, as he shares his professional insights and personal joys.

Distilling success for Victorian spirit exports

Client: Agriculture Victoria

The Australian craft distillery sector has grown significantly, with Victoria now having 188 distilleries. Sapere, commissioned by Agriculture Victoria, identified priority markets and developed market entry strategies for Victorian spirit exporters.

Staff spotlight – Jeremy Thorpe

Sapere welcomes Jeremy Thorpe, our new Director, recently featured in the Australian Financial Review. Kicking off our staff spotlight series, Jeremy generously shared fascinating insights into his career and background.

Unveiling the intrinsic value of nature

Explore the value of nature beyond its aesthetic appeal. Environmental valuation frameworks and techniques allow us to understand the economic value of nature and make informed decisions in environmental policy and management.

How can governments effectively assess and manage climate risk to ensure a sustainable future?

Client: Department of Treasury (Western Australia)

Sapere provided expert advice on the design of a Climate Risk Framework for the WA government, exploring options for a staged approach, and aligning with international standards for climate risk disclosure, to support Western Australia's climate resilience efforts.