From the light rail to embassy leases, decisions made by the National Capital Authority can be obscure at times.
The authority, which is responsible for planning the "nationally significant" parts of Canberra, has vowed to become more transparent in a new statement of intent unveiled on Wednesday, as required by the Albanese government.
Minister for Territories Kristy McBain said the new strategic direction for the NCA was intended to bring planning decision-making in line with that seen at local council, state and territory level.
"I think it's incredibly important that this body has a transparent process, and that people know what that planning process is," Ms McBain told ABC Canberra radio on Wednesday.
"They know when they can make submissions into that planning process, and they know ... whether there are any appeal processes available to them."
She called for "transparency across government sectors", echoing the Statement of Expectations issued to the NCA earlier this year.
"It's important that there is a collaborative relationship between the federal government and the NCA as they manage the Parliamentary Triangle, but it is all about focusing on good government's transparency and accountability," Ms McBain said.
The NCA statement of intent says the authority will commission a discussion paper on governance frameworks and approval processes for planning and development on National Land.
This will give consideration to "other jurisdictional models - including local government practices and practices of other national capital planning authorities - and present recommendations to the minister," the statement says.
"The NCA commits to proactive community engagement by holding bi-annual Community Forums to inform our work and commits to engage with all stakeholders in a transparent and collaborative manner."
Ms McBain said the government was committed to "safeguarding" the NCA which would now work in "closer cooperation with the ACT government" and with increased community and stakeholder engagement.
"This will ensure all Australians have opportunities to have their say in the ongoing development of their National Capital," the minister said in a statement.
NCA chief executive Karen Doran said the authority would be focused on "deepening our engagement with the community, and working with stakeholders, including the ACT Government".
This would enable the authority to support "transparent and well-managed planning and approval processes, and the promotion of Canberra as a National Capital for all Australians".
"The NCA will regularly update the Minister and the community on progress against the Statement of Intent, as part of our ongoing stewardship of the National Capital," she said in a statement.
The NCA statement of intent also includes:
- All key governance documents, policies and guidelines to be published on the NCA website, which will be revamped to make it easier to find information
- Publication of the Public Record of Authority meetings
- Update the NCA Service Charter and monitor performance
- Quarterly reporting to the minister and department
- Improving coordination of planning and approval processes when working with the ACT Government
- Undertake a stocktake of NCA regulatory policies and progressively review and update, considering effectiveness of regulation and informed by appropriate engagement with stakeholders
It said the authority would "have regard for regulatory burden and strive for efficiency and effectiveness in its processes ... In all regulatory activities, both in policy development and administration".
Ms Doran, who has a public service background at federal and territory level, was appointed to the role in February and is serving a five-year term.
