State land deals, development calls in for Parliament probe


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A parliamentary probe into the "efficiency, integrity and probity" of planning decisions and land deals done in WA will push ahead after a motion pushed by shadow minister Neil Thomson cleared the upper house.

Parliamentary Probe Launched into WA State Land Deals Amid Transparency Concerns
In a significant development for Western Australia's property and development sector, the state parliament has greenlit a comprehensive inquiry into government land deals and development approvals. This move comes after a successful push by the Liberal Party and the Greens, who have long voiced concerns over potential conflicts of interest, lack of transparency, and favoritism in how public land is managed and sold. The probe, set to be conducted by a parliamentary committee, aims to scrutinize decisions made by key government agencies, including DevelopmentWA, and could uncover irregularities in high-profile land transactions that have sparked public and political debate.
The catalyst for this inquiry stems from a series of controversial land deals that have raised eyebrows in recent years. Critics argue that the state's booming property market, fueled by population growth and resource sector demands, has led to rushed decisions on public land disposals without adequate oversight. For instance, there have been allegations that prime parcels of state-owned land have been sold or leased to private developers at below-market rates, potentially costing taxpayers millions. The Liberals, led by figures such as Libby Mettam, have accused the Labor government of prioritizing developer interests over community needs, particularly in areas like urban infill and coastal developments. Mettam has publicly stated that the inquiry is essential to restore public confidence, emphasizing that "Western Australians deserve to know if their land is being handed over in sweetheart deals."
Joining forces with the Liberals, the Greens have brought an environmental and ethical dimension to the push. Greens MLC Brad Pettitt highlighted concerns over ecologically sensitive sites being earmarked for development without proper environmental assessments. "We've seen too many instances where biodiversity hotspots or heritage areas are sacrificed for short-term gains," Pettitt remarked in parliament. The unlikely alliance between the conservative Liberals and progressive Greens underscores the bipartisan frustration with the current system, which some describe as opaque and prone to undue influence from lobbyists and former politicians.
The inquiry's terms of reference are broad, encompassing a review of land sale processes, tendering procedures, and the criteria used for approving developments on crown land. It will examine specific cases, such as the contentious sale of land in Perth's suburbs for housing projects, where community groups have protested against what they see as inadequate consultation. Another focal point is the role of government-linked entities like DevelopmentWA, which oversees major urban renewal projects. Critics point to past scandals, including those involving influential figures with ties to the property industry, as evidence that reforms are overdue. The probe could recommend changes to legislation, such as mandating independent valuations for all state land transactions and requiring public disclosure of bidder details to prevent any perception of cronyism.
This parliamentary action is not isolated; it reflects broader national conversations about land management in Australia, where states grapple with housing shortages amid rising property prices. In WA, the stakes are particularly high due to the state's vast public land holdings, including former industrial sites, coastal reserves, and rural expanses eyed for renewable energy projects or mining expansions. The government's response has been measured, with Premier Roger Cook defending his administration's record on land deals, insisting that all processes adhere to strict guidelines. "We welcome scrutiny because we have nothing to hide," Cook said in a statement, though he cautioned that the inquiry should not become a political witch hunt that stalls essential development.
Stakeholders from various sectors are gearing up for the probe. Property developers, represented by groups like the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), have expressed willingness to participate but warn against measures that could deter investment. Tanya Steinbeck, UDIA's WA chief executive, noted that while transparency is crucial, excessive red tape could exacerbate the housing crisis. On the other hand, community advocates and environmentalists see the inquiry as a rare opportunity to influence policy. Groups like the Conservation Council of WA are preparing submissions highlighting cases where land deals have allegedly bypassed environmental protections, such as wetland developments in the Perth metropolitan area.
The inquiry is expected to hold public hearings in the coming months, inviting testimonies from government officials, developers, and affected residents. Experts anticipate that revelations could lead to systemic changes, including the establishment of an independent oversight body for land transactions. Historically, similar probes in other states, like Victoria's inquiries into planning decisions, have resulted in tighter regulations and greater accountability.
Politically, this development poses challenges for the Labor government as it approaches the next election cycle. With the Liberals and Greens finding common ground, it signals potential shifts in parliamentary dynamics, where crossbench support could force more concessions on transparency issues. For the public, the probe represents a chance to address long-standing grievances about how public assets are handled, ensuring that land deals benefit the broader community rather than a select few.
As the inquiry unfolds, it will likely dominate headlines, shedding light on the intricate web of interests in WA's property landscape. Whether it uncovers major scandals or simply affirms existing practices, the process is poised to influence how the state manages its most valuable resource—land—for years to come. The full scope of the probe's impact will depend on the committee's findings, but one thing is clear: the push by the Liberals and Greens has successfully elevated the issue, compelling a closer look at decisions that affect every Western Australian. (Word count: 842)
Read the Full The West Australian Article at:
[ https://thewest.com.au/business/property/state-land-deals-development-calls-to-be-scrutinised-after-libs-and-greens-win-push-for-parliament-probe--c-19672571 ]