The ACT needs an independent oversight body for infrastructure projects, according to the Strong Independents, comprising businessman Peter Strong AM and ex-diplomat Ann Bray.
Other states and territories have an I-Body, but the Strong Independents believe the ACT lacks adequate independent oversight.
The Standing Committee on Planning, Transport and City Services, Mr Strong observes, has three members: it is chaired by a Greens MLA, Jo Clay, and the deputy chair is a Labor MLA, Suzanne Orr.
“It’s obvious there is no balance here,” Mr Strong said. “Integrity involves openness – which is missing.”
If elected in October, the Strong Independents would legislate for the ACT to have either its own Independent Infrastructure Commissioner, as a minimum, or a small statutory board and an Independent Infrastructure Assessment Agency (IIAA).
“There is a need to improve transparency in decision making about our infrastructure projects,” Ms Bray said. “Getting an independent expert to assess the business case will also make it more robust. Other states and the Northern Territory have similar independent bodies, as does the Federal Government, i.e. Infrastructure Australia. With transparency come trust and integrity.”
The IIAA would contract economists and infrastructure experts to help assess business cases to ensure that any proposed infrastructure meets the objectives of Government agencies.
ACT agencies/directorates would submit their business cases for new infrastructure projects to the IIAA. The IIAA would then assess the suitability of the business case and whether suggested options properly and responsibly address the underlying problem/issue. If necessary, the business case could be returned to the line agency with suggestions for improvements or alternatives to addressing the problem.
Once finalised by a Directorate, and with comments from the IIAA, the assessment would be provided to the relevant Minister, and published along with the business case.
Major Projects Canberra would maintain its responsibility for delivery of major infrastructure projects.
Comments from the IIAA would be in the public domain once the process was finalised.
The Commissioner or Board would be a statutory appointment(s) that could only be removed by a supermajority of the ACT Assembly. This would protect their independence.
“The ACT needs transparent governance and rigorous, obvious, and open oversight of infrastructure projects,” Ms Bray and Mr Strong said. “Let’s do the right things right – at the beginning.
“Let’s refresh our democracy.”
The Strong Independents have proposed limited terms for ACT politicians and a citizens’ referendum.
