The Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (SA) empowers an authorised officer, that is, a person appointed by a council or the Minister [s 210] to enter and inspect any land or building in certain circumstances, obtain information and give reasonable directions [s 211].

Where necessary, an authorised officer may obtain a warrant allowing them to break into or pull down any building or building work. If immediate action needs to be taken a warrant is not required [s 211(2), s 211(1)(b)].

It is an offence to hinder or obstruct an authorised officer, or anyone assisting them, whilst exercising their powers under the Act. It is also an offence to use abusive, threatening or insulting language, refusing or failing to obey a requirement or direction made by an authorised officer, failing to answer a question, and impersonating an authorised officer [s 14(6)]. The maximum penalty for these offences is $10,000 [s 211(6)].