The Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny has failed to answer basic questions regarding her decision to block hundreds of affordable homes in Cape Paterson.
Appearing before the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee, the Minister was unable to confirm whether she had issued a required Statement of Reason, which is a fundamental step in planning decisions of this nature.
Even more troubling is, the Minister's suggestion that the decision may have been influenced by an election commitment made before the independent Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Standing Advisory Committee had concluded its work.
The draft Bass Coast Statement of Planning Policy was referred to the independent Advisory Committee in October 2022, with public hearings running until April 2023.
Shadow Assistant Minister for Planning and Building, Wayne Farnham, said the lack of clarity around the process undermines confidence in the integrity of the planning system.
"This isn't about whether the development was right or wrong it's about whether the Minister followed due process," Mr Farnham said.
"Labor is blocking developments in its own seats but going full steam ahead in other areas. If the Minister says she's acting on community expectations, then what's she going to do about the 60 precincts across Melbourne where locals are pushing back? It can't be one rule for Labor seats and another for everyone else.
"The planning process must be transparent, accountable, and free from political interference especially when decisions have such significant consequences for housing supply and affordability."
