Objective Rules and Tests
Project Background
In 2005, the Development Assessment Forum released a Leading Practice Model for Development Assessment. This model proposed ten leading practices, one of which was:
2 Objective rules and tests
Development assessment requirements and criteria should be written as objective rules and tests that are clearly linked to stated policy intentions. Where such rules and tests are not possible, specific policy objectives and decision guidelines should be provided.
In short, applications for development assessment should be tested or assessed against objective rules so that all applications are tested in the same manner and meet the same criteria for approval.
DAF believes that providing clear objective rules and tests is a more efficient and less ambiguous way to deal with development processes and will reduce assessment timeframes.
Status Report
DAF realises there is a need for a guideline on objective rules and tests to help local governments and referral agencies simplify and clearly explain the outcomes they desire for development assessment.
DAF is currently in the process of commissioning work to develop a guideline for objective rules and tests.
Documents of relevance
Project Leader contact:
Paul Waterhouse
Property Council of Australia
02 9033 1956
www.propertyoz.com.au