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Modernising the concessions framework (PDF, 16,055K)

Summary

Processing concessions has become increasingly lengthy and burdensome for DOC, applicants, and Treaty partners. There is an opportunity to modernise these legislative settings to enable more efficient granting of concessions.

The options proposed in this Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) aim to improve efficiency and regulatory practice in how concessions are processed. Process changes include triage, assessment, public notification, statutory timeframes for decision-making, and reconsideration.

The options also aim to simplify and standardise price-setting and contractual conditions, including terms and conditions, concession pricing, and transitions at the end of a term. In addition, the options seek to address ambiguity about how DOC gives effect to Treaty principles in concession decisions and clarify when cost recovery can commence.

Without legislative changes, the backlog in concession applications is expected to remain or increase, and inconsistent practice in concession decision-making and uncertainty about the application of Treaty principles will continue.