The Australian Government is introducing legislation to provide stricter planning controls over non-aeronautical developments at the 22 airports now leased and operated by private sector companies.

This follows growing (unsubstantiated?) claims that some airport companies have prioritised commercial revenue infrastructure over that afforded to aeronautical facilities.
It also comes off the back of the rejected A$200m ($156.9m) retail development that Sydney Airport Corporation had planned after Transport Minister Mark Vaile recently refused planning permission on the curious basis at the time cited as ‘safety grounds’.
This latest move follows concerns raised by local state bodies that some of these developments were never envisaged nor intended for the country's airports.
At the same time, the government has bowed to further claims that non-aeronautical developments are not always backed by the necessary infra structure investments required. The new legislation is expected to gain cross party support.