The Minister for Planning is responsible for a range of functions, and in certain circumstances has the power to intervene on matters associated with planning and heritage processes.

The Minister may:

  • amend a planning scheme without  the usual notice requirements
  • advance the processing of an amendment to a planning scheme
  • take responsibility for a planning application being assessed by council
  • take responsibility for a planning application that is before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)
  • take responsibility for recommendations for registration and permits under the Heritage Act that are being considered by the Heritage Council or VCAT.

These powers are provided for under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, the Heritage Act 2017 and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998.

The Minister for Planning approves amendments to planning schemes and issues Ministerial Directions to planning authorities.

More about planning scheme amendments

The Minister for Planning issues directions to planning authorities about the preparation of planning schemes and amendments to planning schemes.

Planning authorities must comply with the Ministerial Direction on the Form and Content of Planning Schemes, issued under Section 7(5) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The direction applies to planning scheme layout and required information - including amendments to those planning schemes - and should be read together with the Victoria Planning Provisions.

Planning authorities must consider all Ministerial directions when preparing a planning scheme or an amendment to a planning scheme.

To view the Ministerial Direction for Infrastructure Contributions Plans go to Infrastructure Contributions.

The Minister for Planning is the Responsible Authority and Planning Authority for certain large-scale developments.

More about Ministerial permits

The Minister for Planning has the power to 'call in' or assume responsibility for certain planning permit applications.

Ministerial interventions in planning applications

In certain circumstances the Minister for Planning has the power to intervene by:

  • amending a planning scheme
  • advancing the processing of an amendment to a planning scheme
  • calling in a matter before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

More about Ministerial intervention in planning scheme amendments

In addition to the Planning and Environment Act and Regulations, the Minister for Planning has responsibility for other legislation. This is specified in a General Order which is replaced or amended from time to time.

View more information about this and the General Order on the Department of Premier and Cabinet website.

Page last updated: 05/04/23