Appeals and compensation

Appeals to the Governor

Legislative overview

A structured right of appeal to the Governor against a decision of the Minister is set out in Part 3 of the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA) (external link).

This right of appeal is only available in 5 specific instances:

• forfeiture provisions (section 35 LAA);

• abandonment of a pastoral lease (section 133 LAA);

• cancellation of easements (section 145 LAA);

• setting of purchase price on surplus acquired land being disposed of (section 190 LAA); and 

• removal of unauthorised structures (section 272 LAA).

Administration and management procedures and practices

Chapter 3 of the Crown land administration and registration practice manual provides further information on appeals to the Governor, including:

• appeal process;

• forfeiture provisions under section 35;

• different notice periods for appeals; and

• calculation of notice period for appeals.

Compensation

All types of land and interests in land, including native title rights and interests, can be taken for a public work. However, the procedures for taking are different for each types of land affected by a Taking Order.

Where land or interests in land are taken by the registration of a Taking Order, all rights and interests affecting the land are converted into a claim for compensation.

Legislative overview

Section 51(xxxi) of the Australian Constitution expressly empowers the Federal Parliament to make laws for the acquisition of property. This power extends to any State or individual property in respect of which the Commonwealth Parliament has a law-making function.

The High Court decision of New South Wales v Commonwealth (1915) 20 CLR 54 held that the sovereignty of each State Parliament empowers it to take or acquire land with or without payment of compensation.

The power vested in this State to take land or interests in land is set out in Part 9 of the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA) (external link) and the compensation entitlement of owners of interests in land taken under Part 9 is set out in Part 10 of the LAA.

Administration and management procedures and practices

Chapter 10 of the Crown land administration and registration practice manual provides further information on compensation, including:

• persons entitled to compensation;

• registration of title;

• the claim;

• dealing with the claim;

• the state administrative tribunal;

• assessing compensation; and

• payment of compensation.