Mr. Joe Corr:

I understand Senator Boyhan's frustration. We have received similar feedback from our membership throughout the country. We carried out our own research some time ago and it uncovered that we needed in excess of 100 additional planners of all grades, which is a significant number. That needs to be addressed at local level. I will not reiterate what my colleague Mr. Hyde said, but we are aware that this system is not popular, due to the process involved which has no appeal mechanism. However, we also acknowledge that this is a temporary measure that is in response to a housing crisis.

I refer to the judicial review. It is expensive, and is not an appeal in its own right. It is a review of the process undertaken and is extremely expensive. We referred in our submission to a commercial court which would listen to judicial reviews of planning decisions as a more accessible mechanism which would not cost as much as the High Court for individuals or community groups wishing to have the process reviewed.

As stated earlier, local authorities are best placed to deal with these issues. We agree on that. They are best placed to make these decisions, which is why we want them adequately resourced. When compliances come to them after an SHD permission, they should not be holding up development by taking a number of weeks to come to a conclusion which would allow development to take place. We advocate a use it or lose it policy. Landowners or developers should not be able to speculate on their SHDs. This also relates to the Senator's comments on the site value tax, which we see as one measure in a number that would ensure delivery of housing into the system. I hope that adequately addresses the Senator's comments.