The McGowan Government has today announced changes to its Market-led Proposals (MLP) policy that are aimed at improving the process, including better efficiency and transparency.
The MLP policy has been in operation since April 2019 and has received more than 70 proposals to date, with two progressing to the point of being implemented while one Problem and Opportunity statement has also been implemented.
The Market-led Proposals policy was set up as a pathway for the private sector to bring forward ideas and work with government to create jobs and stimulate the economy.
MLPs allow the State Government to harness good ideas, private sector investment and entrepreneurship to develop projects that benefit Western Australians.
The review of the Market-led Proposal policy by the State Government investigated potential solutions to improve the timeframes, accountability and expectations of the policy and each lead agency.
The changes to be implemented include:
- reducing duplication so the MLP process includes only two stages rather than the current three;
- utilising a 'fast fail' mechanism that allows the Government to quickly decline proposals that are not aligned with Government priorities, or are unsuitable for the MLP process;
- introduction of target timeframes for both stages of the MLP process (under the previous policy, timeframes were only set for the first stage);
- improved transparency - with more detailed summaries to be released during and after an MLP process (while ensuring probity and commercial-in-confidence); and
- improvements to the current webpage, and content on current and past MLPs, to make it easier for the public to navigate and access information.
A new provision has also been finalised that requires proponents to formally commit to the State Government's specific MLP Probity Framework. This will reaffirm the probity requirements that form part of the terms and conditions of the MLP policy.
Current MLPs will be managed on a case-by-case basis to ensure no proponent is disadvantaged by the transition to the new policy settings.
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The McGowan Government introduced the MLP process in 2019, as a way of responding to proposals brought forward to Government, and to work with industry to create jobs and stimulate the economy.
"The process helps provide a formal mechanism for private sector to bring proposals to Government.
"We've been very open from the outset that we will continue to look at ways of improving the process, and these policy changes are aimed at delivering the best outcomes for the State.
"We will be cutting down on areas of duplication and putting in place more target time frames to ensure the process is as efficient as possible for all parties.
"We will be publishing more detailed summaries during live MLPs and at their conclusion so the community understands the decision-making process, and also the costs and benefits of a proposal to the Government.
"We have made some simple changes to the current webpage and content to make it easier for the community to find information about current and past MLPs.
"We will continue to look at ways we can further enhance the process in the future."
