The ACT Government has announced it will introduce a Bill which will automatically classify public housing and public health facilities as Territory Priority Projects, removing appeal rights to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).
Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development, Chris Steel says the Bill is a practical measure to remove barriers to a home for families on Housing ACT’s waiting lists.
“We’ve seen far too many instances of delays to already approved public housing projects from costly appeals,” said Mr Steel.
“This law means public housing and health facilities that significantly benefit the people of the ACT can be rolled out without unnecessary delays.
“Development applications will be exempt from third-party appeals and provide greater certainty for the delivery of public housing and key health infrastructure.
“Importantly, Canberrans will still be able to have their say on all development applications through the independent planning process.”
Since 2019, there have been a total of 20 ACAT appeal applications for public housing developments. In the last five years around 13% of total ACAT appeals on development applications related to public housing developments.
The Government says more than 75% of these appeals are ultimately resolved through mediation or with ACAT agreeing with the original decision, meaning costly delays could have been avoided.
Any new Territory Priority Projects submitted following the introduction of the Planning (Territory Priority Project) Amendment Bill 2025 will still be required to adhere to all planning and design requirements under the Planning Act.
As part of that process community feedback will be considered by the independent Territory Planning Authority.
“This new legislation will support the delivery of the ACT Government’s plans for 1000 new public homes by 2030,” said Minister for Homes and New Suburbs, Yvette Berry.
“In the last five years, ACAT applications have delayed more than 100 public homes for those who need them most.
“With so many Canberrans on the waitlist for public housing, many of whom are experiencing a range of vulnerabilities, we must pull out all the stops to get homes built as quickly as possible.
“The Territory Priority Projects process provides a pathway to achieve this goal, while maintaining the normal development application process that enables neighbours and other parties to be consulted,” she said.
