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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 14 Hansard (10 December) . . Page.. 4178 ..

MR CORBELL (continuing):

It is entirely possible that the authority will have given advice somewhat different from the advice ultimately implemented by the government. For the first time, committees in this place will have the opportunity to hear that and make their own judgments when considering a draft variation. They will not simply hear from the officers presenting the government's policy position. The authority will be independent, it will give independent advice to the government, the government will ultimately make the decision, implement the policy and direct the authority, effectively, to implement the policy. However, it will be entirely possible for this place, through its committees, to question the authority, test the result with the advice the authority gave, and make judgments. I think that leads to better-informed decision-making from the planning committee.

In my experience on the planning committee, it was a source of frustration that the committee could not seek expert advice from a government agency which was potentially contrary to the policy position as presented by the government in a draft variation. Well, that is exactly what the establishment of an independent planning authority can do-it can give you that option. It is a new model of governance-a new way of doing things. Maybe it is not exactly the way Mrs Dunne wants it-nevertheless, it is a new way of doing things. It is an opportunity for the authority to say, "This is the advice we gave the government, the government did not implement all of it-or did not accept it."You can then hold the government accountable and test the assumptions that underpin the draft variation as referred to the planning committee by the government.

I think that is a good process. It is a healthier process-a process that leads to more informed decision-making on issues such as draft variations. It is a new model of governance and I believe a significant step forward, based on what we currently have.

Proposed new clause 15A negatived.

Clause 16.

MR CORBELL (Minister for Education, Youth and Family Services, Minister for Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations) (9.40): I move amendment No 10 circulated in my name [see schedule 6 at page 4192].

This amendment amends clause 16 (a) to refer to any direction that may be given to the Planning and Land Authority. It clarifies that the authority must report on any direction given to it under this act and under any other relevant acts of the territory.

MS DUNDAS (9.40): This is another amendment that came out of the round table process. It was put forward by the Democrats to bring about greater transparency. The current bill limits the disclosure of directions in the annual report to directions under section 11. This amendment will require all the directions by the minister or the executive to be recorded in the annual report. This includes any directions under the Land (Planning and Environment) Act 1991 as well as those contained within this bill. This amendment will also cover directions by the Treasurer that are proposed as part of this bill.

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