The Northern Territory Government has passed legislation to streamline various planning, building, valuation and place naming processes.
The Government says the Lands and Planning Legislation Amendment (Red Tape Reduction) Bill 2026 removes outdated administrative requirements and creates more efficient pathways for industry, property owners and the community.
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment, Joshua Burgoyne said the changes would reduce regulatory burden, improve transparency and accessibility, and save time and money.
“Our Government promised Territorians we would cut red tape, and this legislation is another example of us delivering on that commitment,” Minister Burgoyne said.
“By identifying outdated processes and removing unnecessary barriers, we are making it easier for Territorians, and businesses large and small, to get things done.”
The legislation introduces a range of practical measures to modernise and streamline administrative processes across several areas of government regulation, including:
- Expanding and clarifying occupancy certification pathways for buildings and the timing of NT Fire and Rescue Service inspections under the Building Act and Building Regulations.
- Improving efficiency within two independent statutory bodies under the Planning Act by enabling greater use of delegations, longer appointment periods and providing more flexibility with how decisions are made.
- Reducing the timeframe to process submissions for place names while maintaining appropriate safeguards under the Place Names Act. The Bill does not change existing consultation requirements for Aboriginal place names or names on Aboriginal land.
- Modernising the Valuation of Land Act by enabling valuation notices to be delivered electronically, making this process faster and more convenient.
“Whether you’re building a home, running a business, managing property or dealing with government processes, these reforms will help save time and support economic activity across the Territory,” Minister Burgoyne said.
