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Sky News contributor Campbell Newman says local governments exist to ensure “the public interest is protected” but during a crisis they have to bypass the red tap and approve development applications “as soon as they possibly and appropriately can”.

According to The Australian, “tens of billions of dollars worth of construction projects with the potential to create thousands of jobs are being caught up in stagnating planning processes, sparking calls for councils to fast-track building approvals to turbocharge the post-pandemic economic recovery”.

Mr Newman said as Lord Mayor of Brisbane during the Global Financial Crisis, he would get all the town planners and into a big room and give them a pep-talk about the importance of getting development applications “out the door”.

“My line was always ladies and gentlemen you’re here to say yes, with conditions” and “that’s how you help Australians” through the economic fallout caused by the coronavirus.

Sky News host Paul Murray said local government was not recognised by the Constitution which meant state government had oversight over a number of jurisdictions.

“State governments should be putting on a size nine and kicking them in the backsides,” he said.