The Productivity Commission investigated through its study into Planning, Zoning and Development Assessment how the states and territories planning and zoning systems impact upon competition and how cities function. It also looked at appeals, planning mechanisms, land supplies, (including maintaining adequate land supplies) and removing unnecessary protections for existing businesses from new competitors. The Terms of Reference were broadened to include Development Assessments (DAs) as they are so integral to the process of planning.

The report provides an effective snapshot of the planning system across all states and territories. The Report shows that there are significant variations in planning frameworks around the country and clearly identifies that there is no effective benchmarking occurring and that establishing this nationally would be difficult using the current framework.