Western Australia's Premier Roger Cook has issued an urgent call to action, demanding that new development laws be passed through parliament before the upcoming summer break. The proposed legislation represents a significant overhaul of the state's planning system and has become a top priority for the Cook government.
Legislative Timeline and Political Pressure
The Cook government is racing against the clock to ensure the planning reforms are legislated before politicians depart for their summer recess in just a few weeks. Premier Cook has made it clear that he wants the Development Assessment Panels (DAP) system overhaul completed without delay, emphasizing the critical importance of these changes for Western Australia's future development.
Speaking about the legislative timeline, Cook stated he expects the bills to be debated and passed in the upper house next week before moving to the lower house. The premier expressed confidence that the legislation would successfully navigate through both chambers of parliament, despite the tight schedule.
Key Reforms and Opposition Concerns
The proposed laws introduce sweeping changes to Western Australia's development approval processes. The reforms include replacing the current Development Assessment Panels with new Local Development Assessment Panels, fundamentally restructuring how major development applications are evaluated and approved across the state.
However, the opposition has raised significant concerns about the proposed changes. Shadow planning minister Neil Thomson has criticized what he describes as a 'power grab' that would diminish the authority of local governments. The opposition argues that the reforms would centralize planning decisions and reduce community input in development approvals.
Broader Planning Reform Context
These development law changes form part of a comprehensive planning reform package that the Cook government has been progressively implementing. The government maintains that the reforms are essential for streamlining approval processes, reducing red tape, and addressing Western Australia's housing supply challenges.
Premier Cook has positioned these changes as critical for economic growth and housing affordability. The government argues that the current system creates unnecessary delays and that the reforms will make the planning process more efficient while maintaining appropriate oversight and community consultation.
With the summer break rapidly approaching, all eyes are on parliament as it prepares to debate these significant changes to Western Australia's planning landscape. The outcome of these legislative efforts will have lasting implications for developers, local governments, and communities across the state.
