THE Auditor-General has released a audit report looking at Single Dwelling Development Assessments.

This is in the wake of a house in Deakin owned by a senior ACT Public Servant being deemed exempt to the outrage of nearby property owners.

“There was no evidence of improper influence being exerted on, or by, the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate’s assessing officers, for the seven case studies examined as part of this audit,” said Auditor-General Maxine Cooper.

“Nevertheless, the safeguards for mitigating improper influence in the Development Application exemption and Development Application Merit Track assessment processes for single dwellings need to be strengthened in accordance with the recommendations made.”

UPDATE: Simon Corbell has welcomed the report and promised to implement the recommendations.

“The government agrees with all recommendations made, and I have directed my officers in ESDD to implement any necessary changes. This will include opportunities to improve the practice and process within the planning system,” Simon said.

[Photo by Kate Ter Haar, Attribution Licence]