The Land Use Planning and Approvals (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2026 (the Bill) passed the House of Assembly on 12 August 2026. The Bill is now before the Legislative Council and could be debated as early as 10 September 2026. 

In the ten years of PMAT’s advocacy, this is the most complex Bill we have ever worked on. Not even a top planning lawyer could give us definitive advice on what we believe to be unprecedented new powers granted to the Minister for Planning. 

The Bill allows for a concentration of Ministerial power. It enables a system whereby the Minister initiates the draft amendment to a planning scheme, with statewide application, and then holds the ultimate veto or approval power.

PMAT fears this is a power grab by the Minister for Planning, taking on new rezoning powers which former Minister for Planning Peter Gutwein promised would be the responsibility of Local Government.

Communities and local councils will have little recourse if a Minister decides to push through a controversial statewide planning zone change – particularly those that favour specific commercial or political interests over local community interests or strategic planning.

This could include, for example, planning zoning changes to facilitate data centres and property development.

When a politician can modify or approve rules that affect every region in the state, on both public and private land, without being bound by independent recommendations from the Tasmanian Planning Commission, it diminishes public confidence in the fairness of the planning system.

Key amendments to the Bill will help constrain what we believe to be the unfettered power of the Minister for Planning. Help us call on the Legislative Council to support these critical amendments.