04 September 2007
ICACs proposals for new planning rules dont go far enough, according to Aaron Gadiel, Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Urban Taskforce.
The corruption risks identified by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) also apply in almost every area of government decision-making.
The anti-corruption proposals were included in the ICACs paper: Corruption risks in NSW development approval processes, released today.
The best way of avoiding any improper perception is to ban political donations outright from everyone, including the mining and petroleum sectors, the timber industry, the gun lobby, environmental campaigners and other interest groups.
A total ban would boost community confidence in the political system.
Political parties should be funded by their own members and a public funding formula tied to election results.
Integrity in our states planning system is important.
However, any reforms should not just be limited to the planning system, but should also apply in other areas of government decision-making, such as tenders, licensing and board and judicial appointments.
Mr Gadiel also welcomed a finding by ICAC Commissioner, the Hon Jerrold Cripps QC, that he has not identified major corruption issues throughout the NSW planning sector. The NSW Urban Taskforce is a property development industry group, representing NSWs most prominent and important developers, builders and property financiers. The NSW development industrys annual turnover is $35 billion and employs 180,000 people, accounting for six percent of the States total employment. It is the fifth largest contributor to the State economy.
Aaron Gadiel,
Chief Executive Officer,
Phone: 0417 477 904 or (02) 9238 3955
