The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), is calling for public submissions for its review into local government red tape.

Releasing its Issues Paper for the review of Local government compliance and cement, IPART Chairman Peter Boxall said the review will identify ways to reform local governnment compliance and enforcement practices that are imposing unnecessary costs on business, especially small business, the community, and councils themselves.

The review is seeking to find specific, practical solutions to reduce red tape and unnecessary costs across a variety of areas including planning, building, and parking to public health and safety, environmental protection and companion animal management.

“To do so, we need information, examples and case studies from businesses, local councils and the broader community to ensure that the recommendations for change will achieve the best possible outcomes,” Dr Boxall said.

“In particular, we are seeking information on:

  • the specific local government compliance and enforcement activities that are imposing unnecessary costs on business and the community
  • any impediments to local government applying efficient and effective compliance and enforcement practices, and
  • ideas for reforms to reduce unnecessary costs to business and the community.”

The release of the Issues Paper is the first stage of IPART’s public consultation program for the review. Submissions are due 29 October 2012.

A public roundtable will be held in Sydney on 4 December 2012, during which interested parties will be given the opportunity to present their views. The public will also have an opportunity to review and provide comment on IPART’s Draft Report, which is scheduled for release in March 2013.

IPART’s Final Report is due to be provided to the NSW Government in June 2013.