Building rules bring risks
WA’s attempt to streamline planning laws could heighten the risk of misconduct, according to its CCC commissioner.
Following a move to increase residential development, the WA Labor government has been criticised for potentially sidelining essential safeguards.
John McKechnie KC, the Corruption and Crime Commissioner, says the dilution of “checks and balances” as a clear invitation to misconduct, even as he acknowledged the government's prerogative to weigh this against the urgent need for more homes.
“Clearly it’s a misconduct risk, but it may be a risk that government is prepared to run for what it sees as a greater benefit,” McKechnie has told reporters.
The reforms, which enable developers to bypass local councils for certain multi-level projects, have sparked a significant debate about the integrity of the planning process.
While aiming to simplify and expedite developments valued over $2 million, the changes raise concerns over the circumvention of traditional local governance mechanisms.
In contrast to his apprehensions about planning law revisions, McKechnie expressed less concern over the trend of politicians transitioning to roles within the mining and resources sector.
The recent shifts of former WA Premier Mark McGowan and other high-profile figures into the private sector did not, in his view, pose an inherent misconduct risk, provided their new positions did not exploit political influence unfairly.
However, the commissioner has advocated for a “cooling-off” period for politicians aiming to leverage their government experience into lobbying roles.
Despite the controversy surrounding the planning reforms, proponents argue they are a necessary response to Western Australia's housing crisis, promising a “streamlined” system to spur development.
Yet, critics like former WA Liberal leader David Honey decry the perceived leniency afforded to developers, fearing the erosion of local community input and oversight.