Mayors to get powers to overrule local councils on planning decisions

BBC News Sunday 23 August 2026, 03:10 UTC 1 min read

Key Points

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said the change was "essential" for helping mayors "effectively deliver new homes".

Housing (ORG) Matthew Pennycook (PERSON)

Originally published by BBC News Read original →

The Victorian opposition has announced plans to split the Court of Appeal in two if it wins the November state election. The Coalition says it will establish a new Court of Criminal Appeal to ensure judges with backgrounds in criminal justice handle sentencing reviews. The Labor government has rubbished the plan, saying it would create delays in the court system.

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Qld youth offenders who breach bail to receive mandatory sentences

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Liberal plan to split Victorian appeals court attacked as ‘thought bubble’ that would politicise judiciary

Opposition leader Jess Wilson says new dedicated court of criminal appeal would set precedents for tougher sentencesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA radical overhaul of Victoria’s highest court, proposed by the Liberal party to increase sentences, has been criticised by legal and human rights groups who warn it would politicise the judiciary. The opposition leader, Jess Wilson, on Sunday announced that if elected in November the Coalition would split the court of...

The Guardian World 46m ago

Mayors to get powers to overrule local councils on planning decisions

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