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Last August, transport and planning lecturer Dr Paul Mees bluntly criticised the authors of a 2007 Department of Transport report on privatisation.

Then, on May 20 this year, the Age reported that "Melbourne University has demoted one of its most outspoken academics after a complaint against him by the State Government...".

The University should have investigated the veracity of Mees' comments BEFORE action of any sort was contemplated, but it removed the podcast of his presentation from the University website without even consulting him first or informing him of the official complaint.

Today the Victorian Auditor General tabled in Parliament his report on Victoria's Planning Framework for Land Use and Development.

Unlike most other State Governments reports, this one is NOT a white wash saying that everything is fine!

Some highly critical key findings were that -

"In 78% of [permit application] cases examined, officer reports did not give adequate consideration to matters specified in the Act, planning scheme or both."

Of interest to many SOS members, though not within our core of activities, was the announcement of the new Victorian Government 60 cent per KW energy rebate for solar cells.

If it looks too good to be true - that's because it isn't!. The rebate is only for your NET electricity consumption - ie, you have to make MORE power than you consume in your house over a day. The maximum size system you're allowed to have is 2KW - and only the excess gets the $0.60 rebate!

Unless you have a near empty house, this just isn't going to happen..

The guys at energy matters have written a good piece on this -

Why does the Victorian government refuses to establish an ICAC? Could it be that they are afraid of what it would uncover?

As we recently brought up with the upper house select committee on public land, there is no one to go to if you have proof of corruption, let alone a suspicion.

This is particularly relevant in the planning area, where multi million dollar projects can be approved approved by junior council staff.

Take this story in the age today from NSW - where a council planning officer (Ms Morgan)

"It will be alleged that Ms Morgan developed an improper relationship with developers and on their behalf approved or procured the approval of prohibited or non-conforming development in or near the central business district of Wollongong for her present or future financial benefit,''

In Victoria, nothing would have happened, as there is NO Independent Commission Against Corruption to report it to!
See the SMH for an update.
Also see the NSW ALP Councilor bribery issue that has come up in the case.

The Committee has released their first interim report. Fascinating reading!

Read our initial story.