Codes of conduct for development assessment decision-makers in South Australia

Abstract

Following recent changes to the processes for decision-making on development applications in South Australia, the State Minister for Urban Development and Planning has released a Code of Conduct to be observed by members of the State Development Assessment Commission, members of regional development assessment panels and council development assessment panels, and persons exercising development assessment and decision-making functions under delegated authority. The Code imposes strict requirements on the individuals involved and has caused disquiet for some council development assessment panel members. This article looks at the Code and the nature of the obligations to be observed under it and concludes that it may be harsher than necessary to achieve high standards of behaviour by decision-makers.