A performance audit into the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s (DPIE) Fast-tracked Assessment Program has found DPIE’s assessment of projects and planning proposals to be compliant with legislation however it also found gaps in its management of conflicts of interest.
In her report, Fast-tracked Assessment Program, Auditor-General, Margaret Crawford said DPIE’s Program aimed to support the construction industry during the initial COVID-19 crisis by accelerating the final assessment stages for planning proposals and development applications that would deliver jobs; progress to the next stage of development within six months; and provide a public benefit.
Ms Crawford said the Program was delivered from April to October last year and her audit focused on tranches three to six of it.
“DPIE successfully accelerated the final stages of 53 assessments,” Ms Crawford said.
“DPIE reported that 89 per cent of these proceeded to the next stage of development within six months,” she said.
“Assessment of projects and planning proposals was compliant with legislation and other requirements.”
Ms Crawford said DPIE had not evaluated or costed the Program and was not able to demonstrate the extent to which it provided support to the construction industry during the pandemic.
The Auditor-General said the Program was also meant to lay the foundation for future reform of the planning system by piloting changes in the assessment process that could be adopted in the medium to long term.
“Aspects of the Program have been incorporated into longer-term reforms to create a new level of transparency over the progress and status of planning assessments,” she said.
Ms Crawford made two recommendations to DPIE aimed at strengthening controls over conflicts of interest and evaluating the Fast-tracked Assessment Program.
The Auditor-General’s 19-page Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
