Mr Stanhope's comments follow criticism of the authority's current administration from former commission commissioner Tony Powell at a public forum held by the authority on Thursday night.

He said then, ''In 20 years [the NCA] have been dismal failures, you have to face up to that ... All the NCA is now is an undertaker, it builds a few memorials every now and then.''

Mr Stanhope said yesterday MrPowell's comments were unfair, and many of Canberra's continuing planning problems were because of decisions made by the commission, which was replaced in 1989 by the authority after self-government.

Mr Stanhope said, ''I think Mr Powell does need sometimes to stop and pause and reflect on his own stewardship of the national capital.

''Whilst of course I accept and will defend to the death Mr Powell's right to express his opinion, it is relevant in my opinion for us to reflect on some of the issues that the NCDC have bequeathed to my Government and to those who are currently responsible for the NCA.''

In particular, Mr Stanhope blamed the commission for the planning of the Belconnen Town Centre, which he labelled one of the most unattractive in Australia.

''I've long held the opinion that in terms of planning and design outcomes the Belconnen Town Centre a town centre designed, planned, managed and developed by the NCDC is probably one of the worst town centres in Australia.''

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