What makes a good regulator?

Gunnar and Hammond are joined for the second time by Jason Scarborough, former NSW EPA officer and founder of JS Regulatory Services and Echidna, to talk about how regulation should actually work.

They discuss behaviour change, regulatory transparency, poorly designed KPIs, explain the term "regulatory capture", the “fit and proper person” test and why vague regulatory language can create problems.

This episode is particularly relevant to regulators and anyone in a position of regulation or enforcement, but also to consultants and businesses that regularly deal with regulators.

There is also some discussion of surveillance technology, AI, Homer Simpson, Star Trek and the question of how much it would take to bribe a regulator.

Jason Scarborough - Echidna | LinkedIn

The episode was recorded on 4 September 2026

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The necessary disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this Podcast are the speakers’ own. They do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of 4Pillars Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd or any Client, Supplier or other party related to 4Pillars or the speakers.

(c) Gunnar Haid and James Hammond