On 9 December 2020, the Senate referred the following matter to the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 June 2022:

The planning, construction and management of the Western Sydney Airport project, with particular reference to:

(a) probity planning and management, risk assessment frameworks and management;

(b) land acquisition and related leases, including transactions related to the Leppington Triangle;

(c) the role and performance of WSA Co Limited;

(d) site preparation, including the realignment of the Northern Road;

(e) environment and heritage management;

(f) community engagement;

(g) transport links and supporting infrastructure;

(h) training and employment; and

(i) any related matters

After due consideration, the committee has determined to table this brief report and to refrain from making recommendations.

The report is divided into two chapters. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the committee’s inquiry. It also provides an overview of the Western Sydney Airport Project, and summarises the evidence provided to the committee by submitters and those who appeared at hearings.

Chapter 2 examines the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications’ (Department of Infrastructure) acquisition of land from the Leppington Pastoral Company (LPC). This includes an overview of the Australian National Audit Office’s report into the purchase of the ‘Leppington Triangle’ land. Chapter 2 also sets out the committee’s views in relation to the inquiry.