{"id":"tas:act-2020-001","name":"Place Names Act 2020","slug":"place-names-act-2020","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"tas","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"1 of 2020","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":31560,"registerId":"tas-act-2020-001-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Part 1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Preliminary","content":"# Part 1 Preliminary","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Short title","content":"### 1 Short title\n\n> This Act may be cited as the [Place Names Act 2020](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2020-001) .","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"### 2 Commencement\n\n> This Act commences on a day to be proclaimed.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Interpretation","content":"### 3 Interpretation\n\n> In this Act –\n> \n> > ***approved name***, in relation to a place, means a name that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is recorded in the register as the approved name for the place; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) has not been revoked under this Act;\n> \n> > ***chairperson*** means the chairperson of the Panel in accordance with [section 6(3)](#GS6@Gs3@EN) ;\n> \n> > ***guidelines*** means the guidelines published under [section 5(3)](#GS5@Gs3@EN) ;\n> \n> > ***Panel*** means the Place Names Advisory Panel established by [section 6(1)](#GS6@Gs1@EN) ;\n> \n> > ***place*** – see [section 4](#GS4@EN) ;\n> \n> > ***private road*** means a road over land that is owned by a person who may lawfully exclude other persons from using the road;\n> \n> > ***proposal*** means a proposal submitted under [section 9](#GS9@EN) in respect of a name or place;\n> \n> > ***register*** means the register of place names kept under [section 8](#GS8@EN) ;\n> \n> > ***Registrar*** means the Registrar of Place Names appointed under [section 7](#GS7@EN) ;\n> \n> > ***Surveyor-General*** means the Surveyor-General appointed under [section 3A(1) of the](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1944-086#GS3A@Gs1@EN) [Survey Co-ordination Act 1944](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1944-086) .","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Meaning of place","content":"### 4 Meaning of place\n\n> > (1)  For the purposes of this Act, a place includes, but is not limited to –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a geographical or topographical feature, whether –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) natural or artificial; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) on land, underground or under water; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a suburb, locality, habitation or other feature of community or cultural significance; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) a highway, road, street, lane or thoroughfare that –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) is open to, or lawfully used by, the public; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) is a private road that contains residences that have, or are capable of having, separate addresses; and\n> > > \n> > > > (d) a park, recreation area, sporting ground, walking or bicycle track that is open to or used by the public; and\n> > > \n> > > > (e) any other area or feature that is, or is likely to be, of public, cultural or historical interest.\n> \n> > (2)  Despite [subsection (1)](#GS4@Gs1@EN) , a reference to a place in this Act does not include a reference to –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a building or similar structure; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a place that is given, or may be given, a name under any other Act; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) an area or feature, or class of areas or features, that is prescribed as not being a place for the purposes of this Act.","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"Part 2","sectionType":"part","heading":"Administration","content":"# Part 2 Administration","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Minister may endorse guidelines","content":"### 5 Minister may endorse guidelines\n\n> > (1)  For the purposes of this Act, the Minister is to endorse guidelines in respect of the naming of places.\n> \n> > (2)  Guidelines endorsed under [subsection (1)](#GS5@Gs1@EN) may do one or more of the following:\n> > \n> > > > (a) set out the principles, practices and processes to be followed in selecting, assigning, altering or discontinuing the approved name for a place;\n> > > \n> > > > (b) require, and specify the procedures for, consultation in respect of the name for a place;\n> > > \n> > > > (c) list the persons responsible for proposing names for, or naming, specified places under this Act;\n> > > \n> > > > (d) specify the responsibilities of persons referred to in [paragraph (c)](#GS5@Gs2@Hpc@EN) in respect of proposing a name for, or naming, a place;\n> > > \n> > > > (e) require such other action as is prescribed.\n> \n> > (3)  The Registrar is to ensure that guidelines endorsed under [subsection (1)](#GS5@Gs1@EN)  –\n> > \n> > > > (a) are published in one or more of the following ways before the guidelines take effect:\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) the guidelines are made available for viewing by members of the public on a website that is accessible for free by the public;\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) the guidelines are made available for viewing by members of the public by any other means approved by the Minister; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) remain so published while the guidelines remain in effect.\n> \n> > (4)  Guidelines endorsed, and in effect, under this section must be reviewed at least once in each 5-year period.","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Place Names Advisory Panel","content":"### 6 Place Names Advisory Panel\n\n> > (1)  The Place Names Advisory Panel is established.\n> \n> > (2)  The Panel established under [subsection (1)](#GS6@Gs1@EN) is to consist of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the Surveyor-General; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a State Service employee, responsible for the spatial data and mapping of the State, appointed to the Panel by the Surveyor-General; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) one person nominated by the Director of National Parks and Wildlife appointed under [section 6 of the](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2002-062#GS6@EN) [National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2002-062) ; and\n> > > \n> > > > (d) one person nominated by the Local Government Association of Tasmania, continued as a body corporate by [section 326 of the](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1993-095#GS326@EN) [Local Government Act 1993](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1993-095) ; and\n> > > \n> > > > (e) one person with knowledge and experience in outdoor recreation; and\n> > > \n> > > > (f) up to 2 persons with knowledge and experience in one or more of the following:\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) heritage or historical matters;\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) orthography;\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iii) linguistics; and\n> > > \n> > > > (g) such other members –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) as may be prescribed; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) appointed by the Minister as prescribed.\n> \n> > (3)  The member referred to in [subsection (2)(a)](#GS6@Gs2@Hpa@EN) is the chairperson of the Panel.\n> \n> > (4)  The members, other than the members referred to in [subsection (2)(a)](#GS6@Gs2@Hpa@EN) and [(b)](#GS6@Gs2@Hpb@EN) , are appointed by the Minister.\n> \n> > (5)  The Minister may require a person responsible for a nomination under [subsection (2)(c)](#GS6@Gs2@Hpc@EN) or [(d)](#GS6@Gs2@Hpd@EN) to provide the Minister with the name of the nominated person within a period of not less than one month, as specified by the Minister.\n> \n> > (6)  If a person responsible for a nomination under [subsection (2)(c)](#GS6@Gs2@Hpc@EN) or [(d)](#GS6@Gs2@Hpd@EN) fails to provide the Minister with the name of a nominated person within the period specified in accordance with [subsection (5)](#GS6@Gs5@EN) , the Minister may nominate the person as required under [subsection (2)](#GS6@Gs2@EN) .\n> \n> > (7)  The Minister may advertise, in any manner that the Minister thinks reasonable in the circumstances, for interested persons with the knowledge and experience referred to in [subsection (2)(e)](#GS6@Gs2@Hpe@EN) or [(f)](#GS6@Gs2@Hpf@EN) .\n> \n> > (8)  [Schedule 1](#JS1@EN) has effect with respect to membership, and meetings, of the Panel.","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"7","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registrar of Place Names","content":"### 7 Registrar of Place Names\n\n> > (1)  The Secretary of the Department may appoint a State Service officer, or State Service employee, of the Department to be the Registrar of Place Names, and that officer or employee is to hold that office in conjunction with State Service employment.\n> \n> > (2)  In addition to any function or power specified in this Act, the Registrar has the following functions and powers:\n> > \n> > > > (a) any functions and powers specified in the guidelines as being the functions and powers of the Registrar in respect of the guidelines;\n> > > \n> > > > (b) to maintain, and make available, the guidelines;\n> > > \n> > > > (c) to maintain the register;\n> > > \n> > > > (d) to effect minor revisions of the register, when required, to ensure that the register correctly reflects –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) each approved name for a place; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) the locations, boundaries and extent of the place in respect of which a name has been approved;\n> > > \n> > > > (e) any other prescribed function or power.\n> \n> > (3)  For the purposes of [subsection (2)(d)](#GS7@Gs2@Hpd@EN) , a revision of the register is a minor revision if the Registrar is satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that the revision –\n> > \n> > > > (a) does not affect –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) community use of the approved name to which the revision relates; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) community expectation as to the place in respect of which the revision relates; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) corrects a typographical error or anomaly.","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"8","sectionType":"section","heading":"Register of place names","content":"### 8 Register of place names\n\n> > (1)  The Registrar is to keep a register of each place that has, or had, an approved name.\n> \n> > (2)  An entry in the register in respect of a place is to consist of the following information:\n> > \n> > > > (a) each approved name for the place;\n> > > \n> > > > (b) information, as determined by the Registrar, to clearly identify the location, boundaries or extent of the place;\n> > > \n> > > > (c) each approved name for the place that has been revoked and the reason for the revocation.\n> \n> > (3)  The register may also include, for information purposes only –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the names of areas and features that are not required under this Act to have an approved name; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) if named under another Act, the Act under which such area or feature is named.\n> \n> > (4)  The register –\n> > \n> > > > (a) may be in such form as the Surveyor-General determines; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) is to be made available to members of the public in such manner as the Surveyor-General determines; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) must remain available to members of the public while the register is in effect.","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"Part 3","sectionType":"part","heading":"Place Names","content":"# Part 3 Place Names","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"9","sectionType":"section","heading":"Proposal of certain place names","content":"### 9 Proposal of certain place names\n\n> > (1)  This section applies to a place other than a place referred to in [section 4(1)(c)](#GS4@Gs1@Hpc@EN) .\n> \n> > (2)  In accordance with the guidelines, a person may propose one or more of the following in respect of a place to which this section applies:\n> > \n> > > > (a) a name to be approved, under this Act, for the place;\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an alteration to, or the revocation of, an approved name for the place;\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the alteration, clarification, extension or reduction of the location, boundaries or extent of the place.\n> \n> > (3)  A proposal under [subsection (2)](#GS9@Gs2@EN) is to be –\n> > \n> > > > (a) in a form approved by the chairperson; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) submitted to the Registrar in accordance with the guidelines.\n> \n> > (4)  The Registrar may refuse to accept a proposal submitted under [subsection (3)](#GS9@Gs3@EN) if the Registrar believes, on reasonable grounds, that the consultation requirements within the guidelines have not been complied with in respect of the proposal.","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"10","sectionType":"section","heading":"Approval of certain place names","content":"### 10 Approval of certain place names\n\n> > (1)  If a proposal relates to a minor revision of the register, within the meaning of [section 7(3)](#GS7@Gs3@EN) , the Registrar is to revise the register, in accordance with that section, to reflect the proposal.\n> \n> > (2)  If a proposal does not relate to a minor revision of the register, within the meaning of [section 7(3)](#GS7@Gs3@EN) , the Registrar must –\n> > \n> > > > (a) cause the proposal to be advertised, in accordance with the guidelines, calling for submissions in respect of the proposal; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) at the end of the period specified in the advertisement for submissions in respect of the proposal, forward to the Panel –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) the proposal; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) any submissions received by the Registrar in respect of the proposal.\n> \n> > (3)  As soon as practicable after receiving a proposal under [subsection (2)(b)](#GS10@Gs2@Hpb@EN) , the Panel is to provide the Minister with recommendations in respect of the proposal.\n> \n> > (4)  After considering the recommendations of the Panel in respect of a proposal, the Minister may –\n> > \n> > > > (a) in accordance with the recommendation –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) approve the name, or names, for the place; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) refuse to approve the name, or names, for the place; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iii) alter an approved name for the place; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iv) revoke an approved name for the place; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (v) alter, clarify, extend or reduce the location, boundaries or extent of the place; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) refuse to take an action referred to in [paragraph (a)](#GS10@Gs4@Hpa@EN) in respect of the recommendation and request that the Panel make a new recommendation.\n> \n> > (5)  If the Minister makes a request under [subsection (4)(b)](#GS10@Gs4@Hpb@EN) for a new recommendation in respect of a proposal, the Panel –\n> > \n> > > > (a) may, but is not required to, seek further information from the person who made the proposal; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) is to provide the Minister with a new recommendation in respect of the proposal.\n> \n> > (6)  On receipt of a new recommendation in accordance with [subsection (5)(b)](#GS10@Gs5@Hpb@EN) , the Minister is to comply with [subsection (4)](#GS10@Gs4@EN) in respect of the recommendation.","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"11","sectionType":"section","heading":"Naming of roads, streets, &c.","content":"### 11 Naming of roads, streets, &c.\n\n> > (1)  In this section –\n> > \n> > > ***naming action*** means an action taken by a responsible authority in accordance with [subsection (2)](#GS11@Gs2@EN) in respect of a place referred to in [section 4(1)(c)](#GS4@Gs1@Hpc@EN) ;\n> > \n> > > ***responsible authority***, for a place referred to in [section 4(1)(c)](#GS4@Gs1@Hpc@EN) , means –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) if the place is located on reserved land, or in a reserved region, within the meaning of the [Nature Conservation Act 2002](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2002-063) , the Department responsible for the administration of that Act; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) if the place is located on permanent timber production zone land, within the meaning of the [Forest Management Act 2013](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2013-049) , the Forestry corporation continued in existence under that Act; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (c) if the place is on land owned by the Corporation, within the meaning of the [Hydro-Electric Corporation Act 1995](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1995-057) , the Corporation; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (d) in any other case, a council of a municipal area where the place is located, unless another authority is prescribed for the place.\n> \n> > (2)  In accordance with the guidelines, the responsible authority for a place referred to in [section 4(1)(c)](#GS4@Gs1@Hpc@EN) may do one or more of the following in respect of the place:\n> > \n> > > > (a) name the place;\n> > > \n> > > > (b) alter, or revoke, an approved name for the place;\n> > > \n> > > > (c) alter, clarify, extend or reduce the location, boundary or extent of the place.\n> \n> > (3)  The responsible authority for a place referred to in [section 4(1)(c)](#GS4@Gs1@Hpc@EN) must ensure that any naming action, performed in respect of the place, complies with –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the relevant provisions of the guidelines; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) this Act and any other applicable Act; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the relevant procedures of the responsible authority.\n> \n> > (4)  As soon as practicable after performing a naming action in respect of a place, the responsible authority for the place is to submit details of the action to the Registrar for recording in the register.\n> \n> > (5)  The Registrar must record in the register the details of each naming action performed by a responsible authority, as submitted to the Registrar under [subsection (4)](#GS11@Gs4@EN) , unless [subsection (6)](#GS11@Gs6@EN) applies in respect of the naming action.\n> \n> > (6)  The Registrar may only refuse to record a naming action performed by a responsible authority, as submitted to the Registrar under [subsection (4)](#GS11@Gs4@EN) , if –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the naming action results in –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) a name for a place that does not comply with the guidelines; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) a name for a place that is an approved name for another place; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) prescribed circumstances exist in relation to the name.\n> \n> > (7)  If the Registrar refuses under [subsection (6)](#GS11@Gs6@EN) to record a naming action in respect of a place, the Registrar is to –\n> > \n> > > > (a) notify the responsible authority for the place, in writing, of the refusal; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) in the notification under [paragraph (a)](#GS11@Gs7@Hpa@EN)  –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) state that the responsible authority is to submit, under [subsection (4)](#GS11@Gs4@EN) , another naming action in respect of the place; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) specify the period in which such a submission is to be made; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) refer the naming action to the Panel if –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) the responsible authority does not submit another naming action for the place in accordance with [paragraph (b)](#GS11@Gs7@Hpb@EN) ; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) the Registrar refuses under [subsection (6)](#GS11@Gs6@EN) to record the subsequent naming action submitted in accordance with [paragraph (b)](#GS11@Gs7@Hpb@EN) .\n> \n> > (8)  The referral of a naming action, in respect of a place, to the Panel under [subsection (7)(c)](#GS11@Gs7@Hpc@EN) is taken for the purposes of this Part to be a proposal, in respect of the place, forwarded to the Panel under [section 10(2)(b)](#GS10@Gs2@Hpb@EN) .","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"12","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registrar to record name in register","content":"### 12 Registrar to record name in register\n\n> > (1)  As soon as practicable after being notified of a decision of the Minister under [section 10(4)(a)](#GS10@Gs4@Hpa@EN) , or being required under [section 11(5)](#GS11@Gs5@EN) to record details of a naming action, in respect of a place, the Registrar –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is to insert an entry, or amend an entry, in the register in respect of the place to reflect the decision of the Minister or the naming action; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) in relation to a decision of the Minister under [section 10(4)(a)](#GS10@Gs4@Hpa@EN) , may cause a notice to be published in the *Gazette* specifying the details of the decision.\n> \n> > (2)  A name is the approved name for a place once –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the register is amended in accordance with [subsection (1)(a)](#GS12@Gs1@Hpa@EN) to record the name as the approved name for the place; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the register, so amended, is made available to members of the public in accordance with [section 8(4)(b)](#GS8@Gs4@Hpb@EN) .","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"13","sectionType":"section","heading":"Person must not misrepresent name of place","content":"### 13 Person must not misrepresent name of place\n\n> > (1)  In this section –\n> > \n> > > ***document*** includes a brochure, map, notice, sign, billboard, advertisement, promotion and banner, whether in print, digital or other format.\n> \n> > (2)  A person must not, in a document, identify a place by all, or any part of, an approved name that is not the approved name for the place if the person knows, or reasonably ought to know, that identifying the place in that manner is likely to, or has the capacity to, mislead or deceive another person as to the approved name for the place.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding 5 penalty units for each day during which the offence continues; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 20 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding 2 penalty units for each day during which the offence continues.\n> \n> > (3)  A person must not, in a document, represent a place as having an approved name if the person knows, or reasonably ought to know that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) there is no approved name for the place; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) representing the place as having an approved name is likely to, or has the capacity to, mislead or deceive another person as to the fact that –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) the place has an approved name; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) the name used is the approved name for the place.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding 5 penalty units for each day during which the offence continues; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 20 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding 2 penalty units for each day during which the offence continues.\n> \n> > (4)  A person must not, in a document, identify a place, that has an approved name, by another name that is not an approved name for the place if the person knows, or reasonably ought to know, that identifying the place by the other name is likely to, or has the capacity to, mislead or deceive another person as to the approved name for the place.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding 5 penalty units for each day during which the offence continues; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 20 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding 2 penalty units for each day during which the offence continues.\n> \n> > (5)  For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this section prevents the use of a traditional, colloquial or comedic name for a place if such a name is used in good faith in circumstances where the use of such a name is unlikely to mislead or deceive another person.","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"Part 4","sectionType":"part","heading":"Miscellaneous","content":"# Part 4 Miscellaneous","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"14","sectionType":"section","heading":"Delegation","content":"### 14 Delegation\n\n> The Minister may delegate any of his or her functions or powers under this Act other than –\n> \n> > > (a) the functions and powers of the Minister specified in [sections 5](#GS5@EN) and [10](#GS10@EN) ; and\n> > \n> > > (b) this power of delegation.","sortOrder":17},{"sectionNumber":"15","sectionType":"section","heading":"Warning notices","content":"### 15 Warning notices\n\n> > (1)  The Panel may serve a warning notice on a person if the Panel reasonably believes that the person –\n> > \n> > > > (a) has committed an offence under this Act; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) has not previously been convicted of an offence under this Act.\n> \n> > (2)  A warning notice under [subsection (1)](#GS15@Gs1@EN) is to be in a form approved by the Panel.\n> \n> > (3)  A person on whom a warning notice has been served under this section in respect of an offence may not be prosecuted in respect of the offence unless the warning notice has been withdrawn by the Panel.","sortOrder":18},{"sectionNumber":"16","sectionType":"section","heading":"Infringement notices","content":"### 16 Infringement notices\n\n> > (1)  In this section –\n> > \n> > > ***infringement offence*** means an offence against this Act or the regulations made under this Act.\n> \n> > (2)  The Surveyor-General or the chairperson may issue and serve an infringement notice on a person if the Surveyor-General, or the chairperson, reasonably believes that the person has committed an infringement offence.\n> \n> > (3)  An infringement notice may not be served on an individual who has not attained the age of 16 years.\n> \n> > (4)  An infringement notice –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is to be issued in accordance with [section 14 of the](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2005-057#GS14@EN) [Monetary Penalties Enforcement Act 2005](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2005-057) ; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) is not to relate to more than 3 offences.\n> \n> > (5)  The penalty payable, under an infringement notice, for an infringement offence is to be an amount equal to 10% of the maximum applicable penalty for the offence.\n> \n> > (6)  For the avoidance of doubt, an infringement notice may be issued to a person in respect of an infringement offence –\n> > \n> > > > (a) whether or not a warning notice has been previously served on the person under [section 15](#GS15@EN) in respect of an offence under this Act; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) if a warning notice served on the person under [section 15](#GS15@EN) in respect of the infringement offence has been withdrawn.","sortOrder":19},{"sectionNumber":"17","sectionType":"section","heading":"Regulations","content":"### 17 Regulations\n\n> > (1)  The Governor may make regulations for the purposes of this Act.\n> \n> > (2)  Without limiting the generality of [subsection (1)](#GS17@Gs1@EN) , the regulations may be made in relation to one or more of the following:\n> > \n> > > > (a) fees and charges payable in respect of any matter under this Act;\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the costs of proceedings under this Act and the recovery of those costs;\n> > > \n> > > > (c) matters that may be specified, or included, in the guidelines;\n> > > \n> > > > (d) matters that are specified in this Act as being matters to be contained in the guidelines;\n> > > \n> > > > (e) the process of reviewing and appealing a decision of the Panel or Registrar.\n> \n> > (3)  The regulations may be made so as to apply differently according to matters, limitations or restrictions, whether as to time, circumstance or otherwise, specified in the regulations.\n> \n> > (4)  The regulations may –\n> > \n> > > > (a) provide that a contravention of any of the regulations is an offence; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) in respect of such an offence, provide for the imposition of a fine not exceeding 20 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding 5 penalty units for each day during which the offence continues.\n> \n> > (5)  The regulations may authorise any matter to be from time to time approved, determined, applied or regulated by the Surveyor-General, chairperson or Panel.","sortOrder":20},{"sectionNumber":"18","sectionType":"section","heading":"Administration of Act","content":"### 18 Administration of Act\n\n> Until provision is made in relation to this Act by order under [section 4 of the](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1990-004#GS4@EN) [Administrative Arrangements Act 1990](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1990-004)  –\n> \n> > > (a) the administration of this Act is assigned to the Minister for Primary Industries and Water; and\n> > \n> > > (b) the department responsible to that Minister in relation to the administration of this Act is the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.","sortOrder":21},{"sectionNumber":"19","sectionType":"section","heading":"Savings and transitional","content":"### 19 Savings and transitional\n\n> The savings and transitional provisions set out in [Schedule 2](#JS2@EN) have effect.\n\n*\n\n**20.**   \n\n> See [Schedule 3](#JS3@EN) .\n\n*","sortOrder":22},{"sectionNumber":"20.","sectionType":"section","heading":null,"content":"### 20.\n\n> See [Schedule 3](#JS3@EN) .","sortOrder":23},{"sectionNumber":"SCHEDULE 1 - Place Names Advis","sectionType":"part","heading":"SCHEDULE 1 - Place Names Advisory Panel","content":"# SCHEDULE 1 - Place Names Advis SCHEDULE 1 - Place Names Advisory Panel\n\n[Section 6](#GS6@EN)\n\n> **1.   **Interpretation****\n> \n> > In this Schedule –\n> > \n> > > ***member*** means a member of the Panel.\n\n> **2.   **Term of office****\n> \n> > > (1) A member, other than the chairperson of the Panel or the State Service employee appointed under [section 6(2)(b)](#GS6@Gs2@Hpb@EN) , is appointed for such period, not exceeding 3 years, as is specified in the member’s instrument of appointment and, if eligible, may be reappointed.\n> > \n> > > (2) The State Service employee appointed to the Panel under [section 6(2)(b)](#GS6@Gs2@Hpb@EN) holds that appointment until –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) his or her appointment to the Panel is revoked by the Surveyor-General; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) he or she is no longer employed within the State Service in the position in which the employee is responsible for the spatial data and mapping of the State.\n\n> **3.   ***State Service Act 2000*****\n> \n> > > (1) The [State Service Act 2000](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2000-085) does not apply in relation to a member, appointed under [clause 2(1)](#JS1@GC2@Gc1@EN) , in his or her capacity as a member.\n> > \n> > > (2) A person may hold the office of member under [clause 2](#JS1@GC2@EN) in conjunction with State Service employment.\n\n> **4.   **Remuneration and conditions of appointment****\n> \n> > > (1) A member holds the office of member on such conditions in relation to matters not provided for by this Act as are specified in the member’s instrument of appointment.\n> > \n> > > (2) A member is not entitled to remuneration or allowances, in his or her capacity as a member, other than reimbursements of actual, or reasonable, travel expenses incurred as a member.\n> > \n> > > (3) Despite [subclause (2)](#JS1@GC4@Gc2@EN) , a member who is a State Service officer or State Service employee –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) is not entitled to reimbursements of travel expenses under this clause; but\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) may be entitled to reimbursement under another Act or administrative process.\n\n> **5.   **Vacation of office****\n> \n> > > (1) A member vacates office if he or she –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) dies; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) resigns by written notice given to the Minister; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (c) is removed from office under this clause.\n> > \n> > > (2) Despite [subclause (1)(b)](#JS1@GC5@Gc1@Hpb@EN) , the chairperson of the Panel may not resign from his or her position as chairperson or member.\n> > \n> > > (3) The Minister may remove a member from office if the member –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) is absent from 3 consecutive meetings of the Panel without the permission of the other members of the Panel; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) is convicted, in Tasmania or elsewhere, of a crime or an offence punishable by imprisonment for a term of 12 months or longer; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (c) is convicted of an offence under this Act; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (d) fails to disclose a pecuniary interest as required under [clause 11](#JS1@GC11@EN) ; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (e) ceases to be eligible to hold the office that he or she has been appointed to hold; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (f) is otherwise unable to perform, in the opinion of the Minister, his or her duties as member adequately or competently.\n> > \n> > > (4) A member of the Panel must not be removed from office otherwise than in accordance with this clause.\n\n> **6.   **Filling of vacancies****\n> \n> > If the office of a member becomes vacant, the Minister may appoint a person to the vacant office for the remainder of that member’s term of office.\n\n> **7.   **Convening of meetings****\n> \n> > > (1) The chairperson, after giving each member reasonable notice of a meeting –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) may convene a meeting at any time; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) must convene a meeting when requested to do so by 2 or more other members.\n> > \n> > > (2) If the chairperson is absent from duty or otherwise unable to perform the duties of the office, a meeting may be convened, after giving each member reasonable notice of the meeting, by –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) two or more other members; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) a person authorised by the Panel to do so.\n\n> **8.   **Presiding at meeting****\n> \n> > > (1) The chairperson is to preside at all meetings of the Panel at which he or she is present.\n> > \n> > > (2) If the chairperson is not present at a meeting of the Panel, a member elected by the members present at the meeting is to preside.\n\n> **9.   **Quorum and voting****\n> \n> > > (1) At a meeting of the Panel, a quorum is constituted by a majority of the total number of members appointed.\n> > \n> > > (2) A meeting of the Panel at which a quorum is present is competent to transact any business of the Panel.\n> > \n> > > (3) The person presiding at a meeting of the Panel has a deliberative vote and, in the event of an equality of votes, also a casting vote.\n\n> **10.   **Conduct of meetings****\n> \n> > > (1) Subject to this Act, the Panel may regulate the calling of, and the conduct of business at, its meetings as it considers appropriate.\n> > \n> > > (2) Without limiting [subclause (1)](#JS1@GC10@Gc1@EN) , the Panel may allow a person to attend a meeting for the purposes of advising or informing it on any matter.\n> > \n> > > (3) The Panel is to keep accurate minutes of its meetings.\n\n> **11.   **Disclosure of interests****\n> \n> > > (1) If a member has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a matter being considered, or about to be considered, by the Panel, the member must, as soon as practicable after the relevant facts come to the member’s knowledge, disclose the nature of the interest to the Panel.\n> > \n> > > (2) Unless the Panel otherwise determines, a member who has made a disclosure under [subclause (1)](#JS1@GC11@Gc1@EN) in relation to a matter must not –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) be present during any deliberation of the Panel in relation to the matter; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) take part in any decision of the Panel in relation to the matter.\n> > \n> > > (3) For the purposes of making a determination under [subclause (2)](#JS1@GC11@Gc2@EN) , the member to whom the determination relates must not –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) be present during any deliberation of the Panel in relation to the determination; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) take part in making the determination.\n> > \n> > > (4) [Subclause (1)](#JS1@GC11@Gc1@EN) does not apply in respect of an interest that arises only because the member is also a State Service officer or State Service employee.\n\n> **12.   **Validation of proceedings, &c.****\n> \n> > > (1) An act or proceeding of the Panel or of a person acting under any direction of the Panel is not invalidated by reason only that, at the time when the act or proceeding was done, taken or commenced, there was a vacancy in the office of a member.\n> > \n> > > (2) All acts and proceedings of the Panel or of a person acting under a direction of the Panel are, despite the subsequent discovery of a defect in the appointment of a member or that any other person was disqualified from acting as, or incapable of being, a member, as valid as if the member had been duly appointed and was qualified to act as, or capable of being, a member, and as if the Panel had been fully constituted.\n\n> **13.   **Presumptions****\n> \n> > In any proceedings, unless evidence is given to the contrary, proof is not required of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) any resolution of the Panel; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the presence of a quorum at any meeting of the Panel.","sortOrder":24},{"sectionNumber":"SCHEDULE 2 - Savings and Trans","sectionType":"part","heading":"SCHEDULE 2 - Savings and Transitional","content":"# SCHEDULE 2 - Savings and Trans SCHEDULE 2 - Savings and Transitional\n\n[Section 19](#GS19@EN)\n\n> **1.   **Interpretation****\n> \n> > In this Schedule –\n> > \n> > > ***commencement day*** means the day on which this Act commences;\n> > \n> > > ***former Act*** means the [Survey Co-ordination Act 1944](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1944-086) ;\n> > \n> > > ***Nomenclature Board*** means the Nomenclature Board established under section 20A of the former Act.\n\n> **2.   **Assigned names taken to be approved name****\n> \n> > > (1) A name approved under the former Act in respect of a place that is notified in the *Gazette* under the former Act before the commencement day, is taken, on and after the commencement day –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) to be recorded in the register under this Act; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) to be an approved name for a place for the purposes of this Act, until the name is amended, or revoked, under this Act.\n> > \n> > > (2) The Registrar is to include an entry in the register for each place that is taken to have an approved name by virtue of [subclause (1)](#JS2@GC2@Gc1@EN) .\n\n> **3.   **Proposals under former Act taken to be proposal under this Act****\n> \n> > > (1) If, on the commencement day –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) a proposal in respect of the name for a place has been gazetted under section 20F of the former Act; but\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) a final decision in respect of the name for the place has not been published in accordance with section 20J of the former Act –\n> > > \n> > > the proposal gazetted under section 20F of the former Act is taken to have been a proposal published under [section 10(2)(b)](#GS10@Gs2@Hpb@EN) for the purposes of this Act.\n> > \n> > > (2) This Act applies to the determination of a proposal referred to in [subclause (1)](#JS2@GC3@Gc1@EN) as if it were a proposal under this Act.\n\n> **4.   **Winding-up of Nomenclature Board****\n> \n> > > (1) On the commencement day, the Nomenclature Board is wound up.\n> > \n> > > (2) Unless the context or subject matter of a document otherwise requires, on and after the commencement day a reference in the document to the Nomenclature Board is taken, where appropriate, to be or to include a reference to the Panel.","sortOrder":25},{"sectionNumber":"SCHEDULE 3 - Consequential Ame","sectionType":"part","heading":"SCHEDULE 3 - Consequential Amendments","content":"# SCHEDULE 3 - Consequential Ame SCHEDULE 3 - Consequential Amendments\n\n[Section 20](#GS20@EN)\n\n> > (a) [Crown Lands Act 1976](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1976-028) ;\n> \n> > (b) [Local Government Act 1993](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1993-095) ;\n> \n> > (c) [Nature Conservation Act 2002](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2002-063) ;\n> \n> > (d) [Survey Co-ordination Act 1944](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1944-086) .","sortOrder":26}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The Act preserves the pre-existing naming regime's scope and decisions: names gazetted under the former Survey Co-ordination Act are taken to be approved and are to be entered in the new register (Schedule 2 cl.2–3). The Nomenclature Board is wound up and its functions transferred to the new Panel (Schedule 2 cl.4). Consequential amendments to related Acts are listed in Schedule 3."},"complexity_factors":["Creates a new public register with prescribed content and minor-revision rules (ss.8,7(2)(d)–(3))","Delegation of detailed processes to Minister-endorsed guidelines, reviewed every 5 years (s.5(1),(3),(4))","Panel composition, appointment mechanics and meeting/quorum rules including Ministerial appointments and nominations (s.6; Schedule 1)","Mixed decision-making: Registrar executes minor revisions; Minister decides on substantive approvals after Panel advice (ss.7(3),10(2)–(4))","Compliance and enforcement tools: criminal fines for misrepresentation, warning notices that block prosecution, and infringement notices capped at 10% of max penalty (ss.13,15,16(5))","Interaction with multiple existing Acts and prescribed exceptions for what counts as a 'place' (ss.4(2),11(1) and Schedule 3)","Regulation-making power to set fees, costs, review and appeal procedures, and to create offences (s.17)","Transitional continuity with former naming regime and winding-up of the Nomenclature Board (Schedule 2 clauses 2–4)","Discretion and potential administrative burden on local councils and other 'responsible authorities' to follow guidelines and record naming actions (s.11(1)–(5))"],"plain_english_summary":"This Act sets up a statutory process for naming places: a public register kept by a Registrar (ss.7–8), a Place Names Advisory Panel to advise the Minister (s.6), and Minister-endorsed guidelines that govern proposals, consultation and naming actions (s.5). It governs who may propose or name places (ss.9,11), requires recording approved names (s.12) and creates offences for misrepresenting names (s.13). Practical effects: proposers, responsible authorities and document producers must follow guidelines and the register (ss.5,11,13); fees, review routes and infringement procedures may be prescribed (ss.16–17)."},"summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Based on the available metadata, the Act appears to remain focused on its original intent: establishing a formal legislative framework for the assignment, management, and registration of place names in Tasmania. No scope changes are evident from the information provided, as the Act has remained current from its commencement date of 1 July 2020 without significant amending instruments noted."},"complexity_factors":["Limited source text provided — the full Act text was not included, only metadata and status information, making detailed analysis impossible","Moderate administrative machinery typical of a regulatory framework Act (establishing committees, processes, registers)","Potential interactions with Aboriginal heritage legislation and land title systems add some complexity","Dual naming provisions (if present) involve cultural and legal considerations across multiple frameworks","Cross-jurisdictional considerations with national geographic naming conventions (e.g. interplay with Geoscience Australia standards)","Relatively narrow and focused subject matter keeps overall complexity moderate"],"plain_english_summary":"Tasmania’s Place Names Act 2020 sets the legal framework for how geographic names—streets, suburbs, landmarks and natural features—are proposed, approved, changed or removed and kept in an official register. \n\nIt affects everyday Tasmanians, councils, developers, emergency services and Aboriginal communities by creating a transparent, consistent process (including dual naming) that shapes addresses, maps, property records and cultural recognition."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation appears to maintain its original scope as a dedicated place names statute. It replaces and modernises the place naming functions previously contained in the Survey Co-ordination Act 1944, without significant expansion beyond the core purpose of establishing a systematic approach to geographic nomenclature. The creation of the new Panel and Registrar structure, and the specific road-naming provisions for responsible authorities, represent implementation mechanisms rather than scope creep."},"complexity_factors":["Moderate length with 4 Parts plus 3 Schedules, but provisions are clearly organised by function","10 defined terms in section 3, with 'place' having an extended definition in section 4 that includes both inclusive and exclusive subsections","Two distinct naming pathways (Minister/Panel process for general places vs. responsible authority process for roads) that converge at the register","Cross-references to 6 other Acts (Survey Co-ordination Act 1944, National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002, Local Government Act 1993, Nature Conservation Act 2002, Forest Management Act 2013, Hydro-Electric Corporation Act 1995, Monetary Penalties Enforcement Act 2005, State Service Act 2000, Administrative Arrangements Act 1990)","Conditional logic in section 11(6)-(8) for when the Registrar may refuse to record a road name, with escalation to the Panel","Schedule 1 contains standard governance provisions for the Panel (meetings, quorum, conflicts of interest) that add procedural detail without conceptual complexity","Transitional provisions in Schedule 2 that preserve existing names and pending applications from the former Act"],"plain_english_summary":"This law creates a formal system for naming places in Tasmania. It establishes who decides what places are called, how those decisions get made, and what happens if someone uses the wrong name.\n\n**What it does:**\n- Sets up a **Place Names Advisory Panel** — a group of experts including the Surveyor-General, a mapping specialist, a parks representative, a local government representative, and people with knowledge of outdoor recreation, heritage, spelling (orthography), and languages (linguistics). This panel advises the Minister on naming decisions.\n- Creates a **Registrar of Place Names** — a government officer who keeps the official **register** (list) of all approved place names and their locations.\n- Requires the Minister to endorse **guidelines** that set out the rules for choosing, changing, or removing names. These must be published publicly and reviewed every 5 years.\n\n**How naming works:**\n- For most places (mountains, rivers, suburbs, parks, etc.): Anyone can propose a name following the guidelines. The Registrar checks it, advertises it for public comment, then sends it to the Panel for advice. The Minister makes the final decision.\n- For roads and streets: Special \"responsible authorities\" (usually local councils, but sometimes parks or forestry agencies) can name them directly. They must tell the Registrar, who records the name unless it breaks the rules.\n\n**What places are covered:**\nGeographic features, suburbs, public parks, roads (public and some private ones with houses), and other areas of public or cultural interest. **Not covered:** Individual buildings, places already named under other laws, or areas specifically excluded by regulation.\n\n**Offences:**\nIt's illegal to deliberately mislead people about a place's official name — for example, using a fake name on maps, signs, or advertisements that could confuse the public. Fines apply (up to 50 penalty units for companies, 20 for individuals). However, traditional nicknames or joke names used in good faith are allowed.\n\n**Enforcement tools:**\n- **Warning notices** for first-time offenders\n- **Infringement notices** (on-the-spot fines) for offences\n- The Minister can delegate most powers except setting guidelines and making final naming decisions.\n\n**Transition:**\nNames approved under the old system (the Survey Co-ordination Act 1944) automatically become approved names under this Act. The old Nomenclature Board is wound up and replaced by the new Panel."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/place-names-act-2020","history":"/api/acts/place-names-act-2020/history","analysis":"/api/acts/place-names-act-2020/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/place-names-act-2020/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/place-names-act-2020/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/place-names-act-2020/documents"}}