National regulations are the stipulations drafted by government to support the implementation and enforcement of primary laws. When enforced by government, regulation is typically part of secondary legislation. Regulations have a range of functions including:

• Prescribing standards that must be met by service providers, for example minimum standards of residential care;
• Establishing mandatory mechanisms and processes, such as gatekeeping mechanisms;
• Governing accreditation and monitoring, for example registration and monitoring of alternative care services;
• Establishing and delegating authority to mandated bodies, such authorised child protection officials and inspectorates to monitor adherence to minimum standards.