Public Statement
Corruption Vulnerabilities in the Planning and Development System
12 June 2024
Statement by the Hon. Ann Vanstone KC
Commissioner, Independent Commission Against Corruption
The Commission recently commenced a strategic intelligence project to advance our understanding of corruption vulnerabilities within the planning and development system.
Planning and development is a complex area of public administration where corruption weaknesses can easily materialise. The planning system is often contentious and adversarial in nature, with high levels of discretionary decision making and subjective assessment. The influencing of planning officials on even minor amendments to planning controls can have substantial effects on the value of land and developments. Such impacts can increase the opportunities for impropriety among developers and planning officials. Interstate integrity agencies have uncovered many examples of corrupt conduct in this area. Failures of supervision and transparency within planning systems have been found to have enabled such conduct.
The Commission has had some exposure to the corruption threats involved in planning and development. Reports of poor conduct within the sector have led to several corruption investigations. Nonetheless, a full appreciation of risks involved in the planning and development regulatory landscape has proved elusive.
To address this, the Commission recently undertook a wide-ranging strategic assessment of the corruption pressure points in the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (SA). We now seek further information to test identified weaknesses.
It is opportune to review and assess the state’s planning regime. The Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act commenced in full in March 2021, representing a comprehensive reform of the state’s planning regime, instruments, and decision-making bodies. The scheme is now settled, and it is appropriate to assess its integrity. In addition, the planning and development environment is seeing a marked increase in activity in response to housing stock pressures, activity likely to accelerate in the coming years. Along with that will come greater risk of corruption.
As the Commission advances its project, relevant observations and recommendations will be conveyed to stakeholders. If aspects of the scheme are assessed as vulnerable to corruption but inadequately controlled, consideration will be given to initiating an evaluation of those functions under section 40 of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 2013.
Should public officers or members of the public wish to provide insights or observations on corruption risks in planning, or require more information, please email the Commission’s prevention team: prevention@icac.sa.gov.au
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For media enquiries please contact 0428 389 493 or media@icac.sa.gov.au
The publication of this information has been authorised by the Commissioner under section 54 of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 2012 (SA).
