Mark Speakman
NSW Leader of the Opposition
Dugald Saunders
Leader of the NSW Nationals
Shadow Minister for Regional NSW
Scott Farlow
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
Shadow Minister for Housing
The NSW Opposition will support the Government's planning law reform bill, with some amendments to make the system fairer, faster and more transparent.
The bipartisan approach began last year when Opposition Leader Mark Speakman, Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders and Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow wrote to the Premier and the Planning Minister proposing cooperation on planning law reform to help to fix the state's housing crisis.
The Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Opposition's focus has always been on getting more homes built without adding cost or complexity.
"Planning law reform can't be about politics or spin in the middle of a crisis. It has to be about helping people into homes they can afford, near the families they love and the jobs they rely on. Our amendments are practical, responsible and aimed at cutting red tape while keeping government accountable," Mr Speakman said.
Under the Opposition's proposed amendments:
The Housing Delivery Authority would be subject to a full statutory review, and further accountability measures would be introduced.
District and regional planning panels would remain.
The Development Coordination Authority would be required to publish annual reports.
The Community Participation Plan would be set out in regulation or equivalent.
The new targeted assessment pathway would not apply to major non-residential developments like mines, waste incinerators, transmission lines, wind farms and solar farms.
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said the regions cannot be left behind.
"Removing regional planning panels runs the risk of reducing the capacity to support regional development into the future, which is why we will push for changes to safeguard those projects that will allow our country communities to thrive," Mr Saunders said.
"I'm also calling for the Government to ensure the legislation won't make it easier to rush through renewables projects that have been causing angst for residents and businesses in the bush."
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said the Opposition's changes would make the bill more effective.
"We need a planning system that delivers homes, not hold-ups. Our amendments will help build faster, smarter and with greater confidence for investors and communities alike," Mr Farlow said.
While planning law reform is important, the Minns Labor Government should also be removing barriers to affordability, not creating new ones that don't help to accelerate home ownership. The Housing and Productivity Contribution is a tax introduced by the Government in 2023 on housing continues to make the dream of owning a home even harder for young people and families.
The contribution is costing developers $12,000 per house and $10,000 per unit in Greater Sydney.
