Stephen is available for work as an expert witness in planning matters before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. (For work relating to planning scheme amendments, including potential appearance as an expert before planning panels, please contact Stephen in his role at SGS Economics and Planning.)
As a recognised expert in the Victorian system planning process and an experienced planning decision-maker, Stephen can help to explain the links between policy objectives and outcomes in complex planning cases. His unique background unites big-picture policy thinking, gained from his work in research and teaching, with a detail focus from extensive statutory planning experience. He is the author of the standard textbook on the Victorian planning system, has been a Planning Editor for the Victorian Planning Reports since 2013, co-edited the industry journal Planning News from 2007 to 2010, and has taught in university planning programs for more then a decade.
At the same time, he has more than two decades of experience appearing at VCAT, first as an advocate and more recently shifting to work as an expert witness. He has a firm grasp of the practical mechanics of the regulatory planning system, understanding which concepts can and cannot be given weight within planning decision-making. He is undaunted by the “rough and tumble” of contested hearings.
He is committed to his role as a genuine expert in the truest sense, rather than simply as an experienced consultant. That includes through his extensive contribution to the profession, scholarship, and public interest planning outcomes. It also means treating with seriousness his duties to assist the Tribunal and only represent his genuine views. He will work with instructors to carefully and fully outline his views when first approached, and is the sole author of all his statements. This means that when he is called his evidence is credible and robust.
His work is also buttressed by his rigorous approach to planning decision-making, which has long informed his practice and is detailed in his book. The Victorian planning system’s highly discretionary approach creates an unfortunate situation where many different outcomes are arguable; this can lead to cynicism about experts appearing before the Tribunal. Stephen’s approach allows him to cut through this confusion, clearly articulating the basis for his views in a coherent and intellectually consistent manner.