60 seconds with…Allison Tansley
60 seconds with… is a regular Planning News Column by Kate Stapleton MPIA that interviews people who have previously worked in or studied planning in Victoria but are now doing something new. Kate is Director, Planning and Heritage Practice at the Department of Transport and is also studying Cities at the London School of Economics and Political Science. For interview suggestions or feedback, please email kate.stapleton@roads.vic.gov.au. This article was originally printed in The Planning Institute of Australia - Planning News, Volume 48 No 10, November 2022.
There are many examples of people who have studied and practised planning, that go on to study and practice planning law. Less common is the approach that Allison Tansley has taken, where she studied law at Monash University and then undertook a Master of Urban Planning at Melbourne University, before working as a Planner in local government and the private sector. In 2016, Allison joined Harwood Andrews and was admitted to practice law in 2017. Six years on, Allison works on a range of complex planning law matters and has been known to give great advice (including when her clients are stuck on mountains and urgent papers are to be lodged! Or that could have been just for me.)
You have studied both law and planning, but interestingly studied law first, then planning. What sparked your interest in urban planning?
Studying law was intellectually challenging and rewarding. I learnt the value of critical thinking, reasoned argument and effective communication. At the end of my law degree, I wanted to keep studying. A combination of factors led me to planning. A key one being a growing interest in how the built and natural environment influences our lives. Moving beyond the bubble of a semi-bush, outer suburban upbringing, and having the opportunity to travel, opened my eyes to how good planning, urban design and public transport can create functional, safe and enjoyable places. Equally, the vibrancy and liveability of a place suffer from poor planning and design choices. It is achieving the former that keeps me engaged in and passionate about achieving positive planning and design outcomes for clients.
You have a unique insight into the Victorian Planning System, having worked in statutory planning and now planning law – if you had a magic wand and could change one thing – what would it be?
There are many issues in the planning system that could be helped by reform. One issue that concerns me is the balance struck between the amenity of existing and future residents, particularly in medium and higher density developments.
While finely balanced, internal amenities for future residents are often, in my experience, not well served by minimum standards limiting overlooking or the methods prescribed to achieve them. While the apartment standards have introduced a greater emphasis on providing outlook from, and avoiding screening, in apartments, Clause 55 does not have the same emphasis. I would like to see change that ensures the voices of future residents are better heard as we develop their homes.
What is the best (or one of the best) pieces of advice anyone has given you in your career?
Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.
Who do you find inspiring and why?
Rather than a particular person, I have had the good fortune of working with many planners and lawyers that I admire. It is the passion, skill and generosity of these professionals that I find inspiring. I am also inspired by leadership that engenders collaboration. In my experience, collaborative environments provide for knowledge and skill sharing, greater engagement and trust, and ultimately achieving the desired objective.
If you could give your 18-year-old self-advice now – what would it be?
1. Learn from failure.
2. Never stop asking questions.
3. Back yourself.
Kate Stapleton
MPIA
