The Ombudsman has published a final investigation report concerning a decision-making process undertaken by the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) in relation to its consideration of the Walker Riverside development application on 11 June 2025.
The Ombudsman’s investigation concluded that the SCAP made several procedural errors in relation to the meeting including the following:
- the SCAP failed to comply with its Practice and Operating Directions, by holding another meeting in the afternoon without adequate notice to all members, and it was not at the direction of the Presiding Member
- the minutes did not adequately record that an earlier decision had been made by the SCAP, and that there had been two separate meetings rather than one
- the decision itself was a lawful and valid decision.
The Ombudsman also considered the role of the Department for Housing and Urban Development (the department) in the SCAP’s decision-making process, but determined that the department did not act outside its purview, or exert improper influence over the SCAP.
The Ombudsman has made five recommendations as a result of her investigation, which includes policy and process change, as well as further training for staff within the department.
