[Greens-Media] (Sylvia Hale MLC) O’Farrell Must Confirm Commitment to Repeal Minister's Powers

[Christopher Holley]

O’Farrell Must Confirm Commitment to Repeal Minister's Powers

NSW Greens MP Sylvia Hale has called on Opposition Leader Barry
O’Farrell to confirm that the Opposition is committed to the repeal
of part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

Part 3A was introduced in 2005. It gives extraordinary powers to the
state Planning Minister to “call in” large developments and override
local councils and environment and heritage protections.

Ms Hale welcomed the comment by Shadow Planning Minister Brad Hazard
that the Opposition is now supporting the repeal of Part 3A. Mr
O’Farrell needs to confirm that this is now opposition policy and a
genuine commitment from the Opposition leadership and not just Mr
Hazard.

“We only have Part 3A because the Opposition voted with the
Government in 2005 to get it through the parliament. The Greens opposed
its introduction. It is pleasing to see that the Opposition has realised
it was wrong in supporting Part 3A in the first place and is now
committed to supporting its repeal,” said Ms Hale.

“What we need now is for the Opposition Leader to confirm his
commitment to its repeal.” 


Further information: Chris Holley 02 9230 3030 / 0437 779 546