Red Tape Commission review for Victoria

The state government has ordered a comprehensive review of Victoria’s building and planning approvals processes to remove red tape and streamline local and state government planning systems.

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas and Planning Minister Richard Wynne have instructed the Red Tape Commissioner to complete a review, aimed at removing delays to support the delivery of essential housing and infrastructure.

“This comprehensive review will be the catalyst for much needed change in Victoria’s planning systems.

“It will reduce red tape and create simpler approval processes – boosting our capacity to deliver the housing, business and infrastructure investment Victoria needs,” Mr. Pallas said.

In consultation with key industry experts the review will focus on the internal and external referral processes that affect the State’s capacity to deliver housing, business and infrastructure investment.

Victoria’s planning system currently has multiple referral processes and duplications as well as variable internal referral processes within local government.

The review comes in light of continued growth to Victoria’s construction and infrastructure sector.

In 2018 the value of construction work done in Victoria grew by more than 15 per cent – the highest rate of growth in the nation – with the value of residential and non-residential building work increasing by 9.1 per cent.

“We want to create a more streamlined, efficient and effective planning system to deliver construction projects quicker, support jobs and boost our economic competitiveness,” Mr. Wynne said.

Findings of the review are due by the end of the year.