The government is constantly examining policies, conducting investigations, and holding inquiries of various kinds. Some are small, happening within departments and rarely becoming public knowledge. Others deal with significant public policy issues or questions of ethical behaviour by officials.

Parliament’s Governance and Administration Committee is considering the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill (“Bill”). Franks Ogilvie submitted on this bill, making suggestions on how the Bill could better promote democratic accountability in local government and reduce wasteful spending.

Parliament’s Environment Committee is considering the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill (“Bill”). Franks Ogilvie submitted on the Bill, drawing on our experience advising clients under the current environmental and consenting system. We support the Bill’s direction but identify several opportunities to strengthen its ability to deliver timely, certain, and enabling development decisions.