About DAF
The Development Assessment Forum (DAF) was formed in 1998 to bring together the relevant parties to reach agreement on ways to streamline the processes used for development approval and cut red tape - without sacrificing the quality of the decision making.
The Forum's membership includes the three spheres of government - the Commonwealth, State/Territory and Local Government; the development industry; and related professional associations.
DAF members usually meet every three months in different jurisdictions. The Forum is chaired by Peter Allen, an Executive Director of the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development, and through its linkages with the Planning Officials Group, provides advice and recommendations to Local Government and Planning Ministers. Secretariat support and some project funding for the work programme is provided by the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
DAF's work programme is developed annually with projects undertaken directly by members, or where appropriate, consultants. The DAF's work programme stems from the DAF Leading Practice Model for Development Assessment, which outlines best practice aims for development assessment in Australia. Some of DAF's current projects include:
- eDA - electronic development assessment
- Track-based Assessments
- Benchmarking
- Objective Rules and Tests
Background
Improvement of development assessment systems was recognised as essential back in 1996. The Bell report entitled "Time for Business" identified a number of important areas where red tape needed to be cut. The Prime Minister's response report in 1997 was entitled "More Time for Business" and recommended action on a number of issues. In 1997, however, industry groups and relevant professional bodies got together to prepare their own recommendations and action plan entitled "Unfinished Business". It was this report that prompted the somewhat historic meeting in Adelaide in June 1998 and the formation of DAF.