The Commission is an independent statutory authority established under the Tasmanian Planning Commission Act 1997. It has a number of roles including:
- considering and approving draft planning scheme amendments and combined permits
- assessing and approving major projects
- reporting on draft State Policies and Tasmanian Planning Policies
- advising on amendments to the State Planning Provisions (SPPs)
- considering and approving local council Local Provisions Schedules (LPSs)
- advising on draft planning directives
- reviewing reports and submissions on draft national parks management plans and water management plans