Andrew Leigh

A new review of the National Capital Authority is out today. Simon Crean's media release is below.

INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL AUTHORITY RELEASED



Regional Australia Minister Simon Crean today released the report on the independent review into the role and responsibilities of the National Capital Authority (NCA).

The review, completed by Dr Allan Hawke AC, examines the Federal Government’s responsibilities in the national capital and considers reforms to planning, the NCA’s sustainability and future administrative arrangement.

Mr Crean said Dr Hawke’s report provides advice to the Federal Government on how to find the right balance for planning responsibilities between the Commonwealth and the ACT Government.

“Canberra is a place of symbolic importance to the Australian people and the Federal Government has a role to play to preserve and enhance that national interest,” Mr Crean said.

“Dr Hawke’s report provides important advice on how we can achieve this in the lead-up to the Centenary of Canberra in 2013.”

The report’s recommendations include:

• Simplifying the planning system and better recognising the role of the ACT Government;


• Options to enable the NCA to operate under existing resources;


• Developing a five-year plan of information and education activities; and


• Reinforcing the NCAs recent improvements in public accountability and refines its role in fostering awareness of Canberra as the national capital.

Mr Crean said the Federal Government was now considering the recommendations and will respond by the end of the year.

“I would like to thank Dr Hawke for his work, and those members of the public who provided submissions either to the Joint Standing Committee inquiries or directly to Dr Hawke,” Mr Crean said.

The Report ‘Canberra a Capital Place: Report of the Independent Review of the National Capital Authority’ draws on work already produced by various taskforces and committees. It is available at www.regional.gov.au