Page 998 - Week 04 - Thursday, 3 May 2007

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the Banking Industry Ombudsman, whether further action or investigation might be warranted by the Commissioner for Fair Trading.

The Office of Fair Trading undertook a major review of compliance with Section 28A in 2003 and was satisfied with the levels of compliance at that time. A further, more broadly based, audit of credit and finance broker compliance was undertaken in 2006/2007. No non-compliant activity was identified as a result of the audit.

(3) No further action was taken in relation to the matter reported in 2006. Inquiries remain underway in relation to the two matters referred to the Office in 2007.

Planning—responsibilities
(Question No 1476)

Dr Foskey asked the Minister for Planning, upon notice, on 28 February 2007:

(1) Is it a fact that as a result of the Planning and Land Council becoming defunct, community councils have now picked up many responsibilities once held by the Planning and Land Council;

(2) In what manner did the ACT Government consult with community councils before deciding to disband the Planning and Land Council, especially in regards to its responsibilities, and what were the results of this consultation;

(3) What responsibilities have shifted from the Planning and Land Council to community councils;

(4) What level of new funding or resources is the ACT Government providing to community councils to cope with these new responsibilities.

Mr Corbell: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:

(1) No. The role of the former ACT Planning and Land Council was to enhance the ACT Planning and Land Authority’s independent decision-making role by providing it with expert advice through the referral of significant proposals.

The Authority’s community engagement arrangements with Community Councils were established in 2004-05 to provide for better coordination of high-level non-statutory consultation. This was essentially consistent with the recommendations of the 2004 review conducted by Dr Meredith Edwards and the National Institute for Governance, Review of Community Engagement in ACT Planning.

A copy of the arrangements as proposed to the Councils is provided for the information of the Member in the attachment

(2) The decision to discontinue the Planning and Land Council from 1 July 2006 was as a result of the ACT Government’s 2006-07 Budget decisions to meet projected budget savings across government. It was not a requirement of government to consult with Community Councils in its decision, as there has been no change to the arrangements between the Planning and Land Authority and the Community Councils.

Community Councils were informed of the decision to discontinue the Planning and Land Council.


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