The recent Economic Reform Roundtables have seen significant discussions around local government, particularly in addressing housing challenges. The Treasurer’s roundtable in August 2025 highlighted the need to cut red tape impeding home construction. Housing Minister Clare O’Neil emphasized two immediate actions: streamlining the National Construction Code and expediting assessments for over 26,000 homes under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act). A proposed national AI plan aims to enhance environmental assessments, enabling faster analyses, risk identification, and early compliance flagging. Local governments can leverage AI for faster development assessments, data-driven decision-making, and improved environmental data integration. Notably, NSW and Victoria councils are already piloting AI technologies to streamline planning and enhance customer service. The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is supporting these advancements with webinars and events, fostering dialogue on AI’s role in community planning and development. For more information, visit ALGA’s website.
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