Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman has blasted the Minns Labor Government over giving the red light to almost 1,700 new homes in the Appin precinct.
He says that for two days in a row during Question Time in parliament the government has refused to give straight answers about the Appin precinct and planning minister Paul Scully’s dealings with landholders and lobbyists linked to it.
Mark Speakman said media reports suggest that the planning minister personally intervened to knock back the 1,700 new homes in Appin despite a Housing Delivery Authority recommendation and despite a housing crisis.
The opposition leader says the government has provided no clear explanation for this intervention.
Its answers referred to a justification for a 2499 housing cap in the Appin precinct, but not why almost 1700 new homes within that cap were knocked back, he says.
The consequence was to leave part of the cap potentially available for the Ingham Property group, Mr Speakman said.
“Two days ago in Question Time, the planning minister declined to say what contact he or his staff have had with the Ingham Property group, former Labor Premier Morris Iemma or his lobbying firm, and refused to say what he or his staff have done outside of official meetings.
“Yesterday the pattern continued,’’ Mr Speakman said.
More questions were put directly to the planning minister, and again there were no responsive answers.
The Opposition asked whether the Minister asked or directed his department to consider the “equitable distribution” of the Appin dwelling cap. He would not say.
The Opposition asked whether he considered the commercial interest of Ingham Property in seeking an “equitable” portion of that cap. He would not say.
The Opposition asked where else in NSW he had intervened to preserve what he calls an equitable distribution where dwelling caps apply. He would not say.
The Opposition asked whether he has complied with any obligations under the Ministerial Code of Conduct when dealing with decisions that affect the private commercial interests of Morris Iemma and his client. Again, no clarity.
“The planning minister has had opportunities on Wednesday and Thursday to give the public straight answers. He’s avoided all opportunities. If Labor wants to be taken seriously on integrity, it starts by being transparent in parliament,” Mr Speakman said.
Shadow minister for planning and public spaces Scott Farlow said residents across the region feel abandoned by a government that refuses to level with them.
“Families in Appin and South Western Sydney deserve better than this,’’ he said.
“These decisions shape their streets, their traffic, their schools and the future of their communities. They deserve transparency, not tight lips,” Mr Farlow said.