PLANNING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Mrs GERAGHTY (Torrens) (14:49): My question is to the Deputy Premier as Minister for Planning. Can he please inform the house about the government's planning improvement project and if he is aware of community responses to the government's initiatives?

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:49): I thank the honourable member for her question. Yesterday, there was a very important planning improvement project announced. This involved the establishment of an expert panel central to this project; it includes Mr Brian Hayes QC, Natalya Boujenko, Theo Maras, Stephen Hains and Simone Fogarty. All of these people, as I said, are experts in their own respective fields.

South Australia's planning system already leads the nation, but at yesterday's launch the chair (Brian Hayes QC) asked the crowd to raise their hands if they thought our system was absolutely perfect—no hands, of course, were raised; there is always room for improvement. We are proud of the reforms that we have made as a government to the planning system, but we recognise the need to continually improve the system.

This year, the Development Act 1993 will be 20 years old. The past 20 years have seen considerable change—technological and social. We recognise the need to examine all aspects of planning law and seek to integrate and improve. The panel is examining more than just legislative change. All aspects of the planning process are to be considered. The terms of reference (which I will be happy to provide to members if they are interested) include recommendations directed towards a vibrant inner city, liveable neighbourhoods and thriving regions.

The expert panel is required to consult widely with the community, industry, councils and parliamentarians. The new shadow planning minister may like to discuss with the panel where she thinks the future growth in this state should go, considering that those opposite don't want it on the fringes, they don't want any infill. Where, in fact, do they suggest that we can accommodate all our growth? Anywhere or nowhere so long as it is out of the sight of the people of Burnside, where the warm smell of—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. I.F. EVANS: Point of order, Mr Speaker: standing order 98.

The SPEAKER: Is the Deputy Premier finished?

The Hon. J.R. RAU: I'm done, thank you, yes.