Media Release – Government’s PoSS Amendment a Missed Opportunity

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb said today Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s  Bill to amend the Projects of State significance legislation  (PoSS) remains a missed opportunity and raises further questions regarding the Government’s commitment to transparency and public accountability.

“The Premier’s long-awaited PoSS amendment Bill is an example of one step forward, two steps back,” Ms Webb said.

“While the Bill appears to address calls for Parliament to have a say on the Planning Commission’s Final Assessment report which is a positive step forward, unfortunately it misses the opportunity to restore judicial appeal rights which is also recognized as a serious flaw with the current legislation.

“The Bill raises serious questions over its attempt to enshrine a two-tiered system which seeks to exempt projects proposed by private proponents from the additional parliamentary scrutiny which it introduces for projects put forward by the Government.”

Ms Webb questioned why should projects of State significance proposed by private backers only require one parliamentary vote, but Government-supported projects be subjected to two such votes?

“History tells us that both recent private proposals to commence the PoSS process – the Gunns’ pulp mill and Walker’s Ralphs Bay marina – generated considerable controversy with the community calling for more Parliamentary scrutiny, not less.

“The veil of secrecy should be lifted equally across all projects which would impact significantly upon Tasmania’s social, economic and environmental well-being.”

See more of Meg’s recent media.