The Planning responsibilities of the Tasmanian Planning Commission are centred around local government planning schemes. In particular, the Commission has a statutory obligation to encourage public involvement and public representations on planning scheme proposals, and planning scheme amendments.
In exercising its functions, the Commission, when required, conducts public hearings. At public hearings, representations are lodged by the public to either a draft amendment or draft planning scheme that has been placed on exhibition.
The hearings are solely for the purpose of the Commission to gather relevant information. The evidence gained during a hearing is then reflected in the hearing decision.