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Inquiry into the role of the National Capital Authority

Federal Parliament's National Capital Committee will conduct a new inquiry into the role of the National Capital Authority (NCA) in the planning, development and promotion of the national capital Canberra.

Committee Chair Senator Kate Lundy said “the inquiry provides an opportunity to scrutinise the role of the NCA and, in particular, address growing concerns about the adequacy of the ACT dual planning regime”.

“A key objective of the inquiry is to make findings and propose recommendations that achieve a more logical and simplified planning regime while ensuring that Canberra and the Territory are planned in accordance with their national significance,” she said

In addition to the dual planning regime, the committee will examine the administration of the National Capital Plan and the NCA’s responsibility for promotion of the National Capital.

The terms of reference for the inquiry, referred by the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Bob Debus, MP, provide for the committee to inquire into:

(a) The administration of the National Capital Plan with particular emphasis on the reduction of red tape and duplication of municipal and local planning functions, the jurisdiction of ACT spatial policy and harmonisation of planning systems;

(b) Whether the governance arrangements for the NCA provide a sufficient balance between the independence of the Authority’s planning decisions and its accountability for its operations;

(c) The appropriate level of oversight required to achieve the highest standards in design for areas of national significance;

(d) Opportunities to ensure cooperation with the ACT planning authority and increased engagement with the Canberra community;

(e) The effective national promotion of the National Capital, and the roles of the NCA and the ACT Government in advocacy for new infrastructure projects including responsibility for events and developing the distinctive character of the National Capital.

The National Capital Committee has been asked to report by 30 June 2008. The committee will accept submissions, preferably by email, until Friday, 11 April 2008.

Further details about the inquiry, including how to make a submission, can be obtained from the committee’s website at http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ncet/index.htm or by contacting the committee secretariat on (02) 6277 4355 or emailing jscncet@aph.gov.au.

Information about the National Capital Authority can be found at http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/ .

To arrange media comment: Please contact the Chair of the Committee, Senator Kate Lundy (02) 6230 0411 (electorate office).

Issued by: House of Representatives Liaison & Projects Office, Wednesday 12 March 2008

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