ACT Exceptions for Family Court Orders Regarding Concessional Leases and Land Transfers

Heritage and Planning Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

26 May 2025: Passed by Parliament and signed off by the governor.

This bill kicks in: TBA

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Topics

family law heritage conservation land leases land use property development urban planning

Introduced by: The Hon Chris Steel MLA (ALP) — Minister       , Minister for Heritage, Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development, Minister for Transport, Treasurer

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

Family Court orders can now override certain restrictions on transferring land or dealing with concessional leases.
Public sector bodies must report any action taken on heritage council recommendations; they must also explain why they ignored any recommendations.
The government can now direct any public sector body to create a conservation management plan for a heritage place or object.
Subdivision design applications can now include any matters listed in the regulations.
Development approvals for lease variations end two years after an ACAT review or court appeal finishes.
Lease provisions for the University of New South Wales are extended to 26 November 2028.

The Debate

What different members said when this bill was debated:

Chris Steel ALP

“I move: That this bill be agreed to in principle. I am pleased to present the Heritage and Planning Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 to the Legislative Assembly. The bill makes statute law revision amendments to ACT legislation, covering the heritage, planning and sustainable development portfolios, following guidelines for the technical amendments program approved by the government.”

Official source →

Peter Cain LIB

“The Canberra Liberals will be supporting this bill, which is an omnibus bill introduced to make minor legislative amendments across key heritage and planning laws in the ACT. The bill focuses primarily on technical corrections, clarifications and updates to ensure consistency within the Heritage Act 2004, the Planning Act 2023 and the Planning (General) Regulation 2003.”

Official source →

Jo Clay GRN

“The Greens are happy to support this bill. We were pleased to have a briefing and the opportunity to ask some questions about this bill. Mr Cain has outlined that it makes technical amendments and corrections. We had a good check of the changes to the greenhouse gas thresholds.”

Official source →