Page 2037 - Week 07 - Thursday, 17 June 1993
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I further quote:
There is however nothing before me to suggest, as did one of the submissions, that total management control was handed by the trust to the developer. I accept that considerable care was taken by the trust to try to ensure that the project evolved successfully within the parameters that the trust had set.
Finally, I would like to address a statement in the Todd report that there does not appear to be a pattern of early positive consultation in the planning culture. Under the policies of this Government, the Planning Authority has constantly been refining the processes of consultation. The planning legislation passed by this Assembly requires that there be consultation and seeks to ensure significant and effective opportunity for the community to have its say and be heard. Moreover, the Planning Authority often undertakes extensive consultation before any formal variation process has begun. It also carries out briefings at the start of the formal consultation process. I note Mr Todd's comments on this matter and reaffirm the Government's commitment to consultation. I believe that pre-consultation is the rule rather than the exception.
In summary, the Government notes that Mr Todd indicated:
I found nothing in the material before me, or in the interviews that I conducted, to make me suspect any improper conduct.
The Government has already indicated that it will be reviewing the legislation. The Todd report will be fully considered in that process, and we will continue to improve our consultation processes.
MR MOORE (3.31): Madam Speaker, I note that Mr Wood sought leave to make a statement rather than submit a motion. I seek leave to make a short statement on the report.
Leave granted.
MR MOORE: The issues Mr Wood raised are appropriate and his comments on Mr Todd's report are also quite appropriate, considering what Mr Todd did. It is important to note the restrictions of an inquiry of this nature. I have written to Mr Wood on a number of occasions seeking an inquiry under the Inquiries Act or under the planning Act. An inquiry under either of those Acts could well have brought a different result.
I have in front of me a series of questions that were presented to Mr Todd with reference to the inquiry into section 22. They were returned because Mr Todd realised that, in an inquiry without the powers of privilege and other powers given under those Acts, it would not have been possible for him to deal with those questions. If members wish, I will be happy to table those questions; I am also happy to leave it at this point. I think it is important for us to understand that if we wish to run an inquiry that is designed to clear the air - I believe that that is the term Mr Wood used - it must be an inquiry under one of those Acts, or a royal commission, of course. It does require that sort of protection for the inquirer and the people appearing.
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