The department develops and amends acts and regulations within its responsibility. Public consultations ensure the public has the opportunity to participate in the development of legislation.
It is also responsible for reviewing the legislation it administers to ensure it operates efficiently and impractical provisions are removed. Consultation is conducted with the public and interested parties who are likely to be affected by proposed legislation or amendments to legislation and regulations.
The department ensures that its legislative processes are in keeping with the requirements of the State Government's Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) process. The RIA assists government agencies to develop efficient and effective regulation that addresses a clear need in the community, and provides assurance to the government and stakeholders that a proper assessment of options, including consultation with stakeholders, has occurred.
The department invited comments from local governments and the wider community to inform implementation of the proposed reforms.