Evidence-free zone? Examining claims about planning performance and reform in New South Wales

Abstract

Many different claims about the planning system and its impact on development and the wider economy are made by different interest groups, particularly in the context of planning system reform. This paper uses discourse analysis to examine claims made by New South Wales (NSW) Treasury in response to proposals for a new planning system in NSW. The analysis shows that many claims are based on questionable evidence consistent with a wider ideological critique of the planning system, rather than examining which specific aspects of the planning system are generating particular problems, or whether previous reforms enacted over the past decade in NSW have proved effective. Instead, the tendency is to present generalised criticism of planning supported by tenuous links to development trends, undermining prospects for effective and positive planning system reform.

Keywords:

• planning reform
• housing affordability
• policy discourse

Notes

1. An umbrella body for Australian Commonwealth, state/territorial, and local government cooperation.