Tuesday, 18 March 2025

Petitions

Planning

Ellen SANDELL (Melbourne) presented a petition bearing 25 signatures:

Issue:

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly the concerning increase of ministerial call-ins, overriding the decisions made by independent statutory authorities. This is most recently evident in the 1 Spring Street & 21–25 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, amendment to the planning scheme that was approved by the Minister.

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly calls on the Government to amend the Planning and Environment Act 1987 section 97B to revoke the Minister’s absolute authority to call in permits. This excessive mechanism allows the Minister to override the decisions of Heritage Victoria, and other independent statutory authorities, undermining the legitimacy of planning and permit process.