The Role of the Expert and the Planning Principles

Abstract

The paper discusses some aspects of the role of experts in relation to the functions of the Land and Environment Court of NSW, Australia. The author is critical of some effects of the introduction of the Court's 'Principles' particularly as they relate to the roles and expertise of Court Appointed Experts, and the scope of the Court's orders. In particular, he suggests that rather than reduce the costs associated with experts, there has been an increase in their use, including as 'shadow experts'.