The ACT Integrity Commission has confirmed it is investigating corruption allegations linked to planning changes at the controversial Phillip Pool redevelopment.

In a brief statement, the Commission said it launched an own-motion investigation in November after assessing circumstances surrounding suggested changes to the Territory Plan for the Phillip Pool site.

The Commission said it considered the matter on September 9, before deciding on November 12 to commence a formal investigation under section 101 of the Integrity Commission Act 2018.

“The investigation is in its early stages, and no further comments will be made,” the Commission said.

The confirmation follows an Auditor-General’s report tabled last week that found key planning changes for the Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre were made without rigorous analysis of future community needs.

Auditor-General Ajay Sharma found government agencies did not undertake a specific assessment of future needs for the site before requirements were changed under the new Territory Plan.

The changes, adopted in 2023, allow a redeveloped Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre site to include a 25-metre indoor pool instead of the previously required 50-metre outdoor pool.

The audit also found a consultation report incorrectly stated that a sport and recreation needs analysis had determined a 25-metre pool would meet community requirements.

Mr Sharma said no such analysis had been undertaken as described and that the statement misrepresented the extent of work used to justify the change.

Independent MLA for Murrumbidgee Fiona Carrick said the report confirmed long-held community concerns that decisions about the facility were made without proper evidence or consultation.

She said the report had “exposed a troubling pattern of failure, disregard and mismanagement by the ACT Government” in relation to the Phillip Pool and Ice-Skating Centre.

“What should have been a transparent, evidence-based process about the future of critical community infrastructure became a rushed and opaque exercise that has left the Woden community sidelined and underserved,” Ms Carrick said.

The Auditor-General recommended future Territory Plan changes affecting sport and recreation facilities be supported by documented assessments of community needs and interests.

It also recommended the City and Environment Directorate develop guidance to ensure public responses to planning consultation accurately reflect the analysis undertaken.

The Integrity Commission has not identified any individuals or organisations under investigation.

Under the Integrity Commission Act, the existence of an investigation does not imply any finding of misconduct, corruption or wrongdoing.

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