We thought this article by PIA President Ray Haeren might be of interest to fellow planning professionals, thank goodness this type of behaviour is limited to Perth!!!

Respectful behaviour and honesty should be the natural default, however I need to speak to this issue based on increasing issues facing our fellow professionals.

I felt compelled to write to one of Perth’s more infamous local rags this week, following their rather dubious and disparaging front page article where the new Planning Manager’s motives and ability were being questioned through a unfounded conspiracy theory based on previously being employed by the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage. Given the sensitivity and increasingly radical behaviour we see in some quarters, this is not just feeding a fire it is calling into question credibility and professionalism without foundation and this needs to be called out.

I think it would be fair to say that many planning professionals would already hesitate at the notion of working at some LGA’s based on the political nature and hostile environment, however attacks like this are also making such positions even less desirable. I am both experiencing and hearing of increasingly personalised attacks on planning professionals as groups or individuals choose to attack the person rather than the issue (play the ball not the man). I would highlight this extends to all those involved in the planning process, with the disturbing news of the Mayor of Swan being physically attacked at an engagement forum. Simply unacceptable.

Disagreement can and will happen in planning. We are a profession of shades of grey rather than black and white after all. Urban planning issues can generate emotions as they affect peoples local environments. We also need to ensure good governance and that those in positions of influence and power apply high ethical standards. So does this all mean that it is fair game?

I am all for robust discussion, debate, openness and accountability, however we do need to have some ground rules to ensure we can continue to offer our professional advice without fear nor favour.