The Mercury: Instead of Parties Taking a Sledgehammer to Local Democracy to Crack a Walnut, Seek Reform Solutions
A DAP proposal represents a very elitist view that would fundamentally undermine our councils, writes Professor David Adams.
#SCRAPTHEDAP
Media Release: Proposed planning laws are anti-democracy, anti-transparency and will be catastrophic for ordinary Tasmanians
“The Government has brought back this highly contentious Bill, despite 92% of the almost 500 submissions received on the first version of the anti-democratic Bill in 2024 were opposed. The DAPs Bill was so flawed, every council in Tasmania voted against it and it was voted down in the Legislative Council on the last sitting day of Parliament last year,” said Sophie Underwood, State Director of the Planning Matters Alliance Tasmania (PMAT).
PMAT Submission Guide: Draft LUPA Amendment (Development Assessment Panels) Bill 2025
PMAT released a community submission guide to help comment on the Draft LUPA Amendment (Development Assessment Panels) Bill 2025. Public comment closed 24 April 2025.
PMAT Submission Guide: Draft LUPA Amendment (Development Assessment Panels) Bill 2025 Read More »
Clarence #SCRAPTHEDAP Public Meeting
Tues, 18 Feb
6.30- 8pm
Rosny Bowls Club
Clarence #SCRAPTHEDAP Public Meeting Read More »
Launceston #SCRAPTHEDAP Public Meeting
Wed, 12 Feb
6-7.30pm
UTAS Inveresk
The Workshop Lecture Theatre
Launceston #SCRAPTHEDAP Public Meeting Read More »
Media Release: Latest attack on our planning appeal rights is anti-democratic & removes the community’s voice
The major changes to planning appeal rights announced on 7 February 2025 by Minister for Planning, Felix Ellis, will impact every single Tasmanian by taking away community rights and preferencing property developers over the community.
Mercury Article: Planning For A Fight Ahead
“The state government has promised further reforms to our planning system, this time to curtail the right of third parties to appeal council decisions to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.”
Mercury Article: Planning For A Fight Ahead Read More »
Mercury Article: Appeals Block in Third Party Appeal Process
The latest attack on our planning appeal rights by the Tas Government is anti-democratic & removes the community’s voice. In the Mercury on 08 Feb 2025, Felix Ellis said the major changes to appeal rights will stop “anti-everything organisations” from objecting. In reality, it strips away public oversight, leaving communities powerless against bad developments. Property developers will retain their rights to appeal planning decisions but the general public won’t.
Mercury Article: Appeals Block in Third Party Appeal Process Read More »
How did Legislative Council + House of Assembly vote on DAPs?
See how each member of the Legislative Council and House of Assembly voted on DAPs.
How did Legislative Council + House of Assembly vote on DAPs? Read More »
Mercury Letter to the Editor: Proper Process Key to Public Confidence
Legislative Councillor Ruth Forrest is right when she says “proper process is important”. When it is ignored or abused, people’s confidence in institutions is undermined, which undermines confidence in democracy.
Mercury Letter to the Editor: Proper Process Key to Public Confidence Read More »