{"id":"a-1996-86","name":"Uncollected Goods Act 1996","slug":"uncollected-goods-act-1996","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"act","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"86 of 1996","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":24532,"registerId":"act-a-1996-86-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Uncollected Goods Act 1996","content":"Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nA1996-86\nRepublication No 18\nEffective: 26 November 2025\nRepublication date: 2 December 2025\nLast amendment made by A2025-29\n\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAbout this republication\nThe republished law\nThis is a republication of the Uncollected Goods Act 1996 (including any amendment made under\nthe Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 2 December 2025. It also\nincludes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting this republished law to\n26 November 2025.\nThe legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3\nand 4.\nKinds of republications\nThe Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT\nlegislation register at www.legislation.act.gov.au):\n• authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies\n• unauthorised republications.\nThe status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.\nEditorial changes\nThe Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial\namendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication.\nEditorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by\nan Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The\nchanges are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into\nline, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.\nThis republication includes amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).\nUncommenced provisions and amendments\nIf a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately\nbefore the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law\nare accessible on the ACT legislation register (www.legislation.act.gov.au). For more\ninformation, see the home page for this law on the register.\nModifications\nIf a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the\nsymbol M appears immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying\nprovision appears in the endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation\nAct 2001, section 95.\nPenalties\nAt the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $160 for an\nindividual and $810 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).\n\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\ncontents 1\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nContents\nPage\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Name of Act 2\n2 Dictionary 2\n2A Notes 2\n2B Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc 3\n3 Application of Act 3\nPart 2 Uncollected goods\nDivision 2.1 Meaning of uncollected goods\n5 Goods deemed uncollected 4\nDivision 2.2 Goods not collected when requested\n6 Application of div 2.2 5\n7 Request to collect goods 5\n8 Uncollected goods—goods not collected when requested 6\n\nContents\nPage\ncontents 2 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nDivision 2.3 Goods found at pool facilities\n9 Goods lost or abandoned at pool facilities 7\n10 Lost property register 7\n11 Claims for lost property 7\n12 Uncollected goods––pool facilities 8\nDivision 2.4 Goods found on public or unleased land\n13 Application of div 2.4 8\n14 Goods lost or abandoned on public or unleased land 8\n15 Uncollected goods—public or unleased land 10\n16 Authorised officers 10\n16A Identity cards 10\n17 Retention areas 11\nPart 3 Disposal of uncollected goods\nDivision 3.1 Mode of disposition\n18 Disposal generally 12\n19 References to time 12\n20 Perishable goods 12\n21 Personal effects 12\n22 Goods of no value 13\n23 Goods of low value 13\n24 Goods of significant value 14\n24A Manufactured homes and mobile homes abandoned in residential\nparks 14\nDivision 3.2 Sale of goods\n25 Public auctions 15\nDivision 3.3 Claims by owners\n26 Claim by owner before disposal 15\n27 Review of possessor’s costs 16\nPart 4 Goods found on Territory premises or\nproperty\n27A Application of pt 4 17\n28 Goods lost or abandoned on Territory controlled premises etc 17\n29 Disposal of goods found on Territory controlled premises 17\n\nContents\nPage\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\ncontents 3\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 5 Miscellaneous\n30 Proceeds of sale 18\n31 Payments by Territory 19\n32 Protection of possessors 19\n33 Rights not to be affected 19\n34 Evidence 20\n35 Title 20\n36 Mode of disposition 20\n37 Request provisions—substantial compliance 20\n38 Regulation-making power 20\nDictionary 21\nEndnotes\n1 About the endnotes 24\n2 Abbreviation key 24\n3 Legislation history 25\n4 Amendment history 28\n5 Earlier republications 32\n\n\n\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 1\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nAn Act to provide for the disposal of uncollected, lost or abandoned goods, and\nfor related purposes\n\nPart 1 Preliminary\nSection 1\npage 2 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Name of Act\nThis Act is the Uncollected Goods Act 1996.\n2 Dictionary\nThe dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.\nNote 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this\nAct, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined\nelsewhere in this Act.\nFor example, the signpost definition ‘uncollected goods—see section 5.’\nmeans that the term ‘uncollected goods’ is defined in that section.\nNote 2 A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to\nthe entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act,\nprovides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see\nLegislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).\n2A Notes\nA note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.\nNote See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.\n\nPreliminary Part 1\nSection 2B\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 3\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n2B Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc\nOther legislation applies in relation to offences against this Act.\nNote 1 Criminal Code\nThe Criminal Code, ch 2 applies to all offences against this Act (see\nCode, pt 2.1).\nThe chapter sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility\n(including burdens of proof and general defences), and defines terms used\nfor offences to which the Code applies (eg conduct, intention,\nrecklessness and strict liability).\nNote 2 Penalty units\nThe Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties\nthat are expressed in penalty units.\n3 Application of Act\n(1) Subject to subsection (2), this Act applies to goods in the possession\nof a person whether the goods came into the person’s possession\nbefore, on or after the commencement of this section.\n(2) This Act does not apply to—\n(a) unclaimed prizes under the Lotteries Act 1964; or\n(b) unclaimed moneys under the Unclaimed Money Act 1950; or\n(c) cheques, IOUs or other writings for securing the payment of\nmoney, goods or other property; or\n(d) animals under the Domestic Animals Act 2000 or the\nStock Act 2005; or\n(e) firearms, firearm parts or ammunition under the Firearms\nAct 1996; or\n(f) prohibited weapons or prohibited articles under the Prohibited\nWeapons Act 1996.\n\nPart 2 Uncollected goods\nDivision 2.1 Meaning of uncollected goods\nSection 5\npage 4 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 2 Uncollected goods\nDivision 2.1 Meaning of uncollected goods\n5 Goods deemed uncollected\n(1) Goods shall be deemed to be uncollected goods for this Act—\n(a) where the possessor received or holds the goods in pursuance of\nan agreement under which—\n(i) the owner was to collect the goods at a certain time or\nwithin a certain period and has failed to do so; or\n(ii) the possessor was to deliver the goods to the owner and,\nafter making a reasonable attempt, the possessor is unable\nto do so in accordance with the agreement; and\n(b) where the possessor has a lien on the goods under the Mercantile\nLaw Act 1962 and a notice of intention to sell the goods has been\ngiven in accordance with section 22 (2) of that Act, but the\ncharges stated in the notice have not been paid by the day\nspecified in the notice; and\n(c) where the goods are received or held by the possessor in the\nabsence of any agreement regarding collection of the goods—\n(i) in the case of perishable goods or goods of no value—\nimmediately the goods are received or held by the\npossessor; or\n(ii) in the case of any other goods—the owner has refused or\nfailed to comply with a request made in accordance with\nsection 7 to collect the goods; and\n(d) where the goods were lost or abandoned at a pool facility––\n(i) in the case of perishable goods or goods of no value––\nimmediately the operator of the pool facility or employee\nof the operator takes possession of the goods; or\n\nUncollected goods Part 2\nGoods not collected when requested Division 2.2\nSection 6\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 5\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(ii) in the case of any other goods—if the goods have not been\ngiven to a person entitled to their possession within the\nperiod specified in section 12; and\n(e) where the goods were lost or abandoned on public or unleased\nland—\n(i) in the case of perishable goods or goods of no value—\nimmediately the goods are found by an authorised officer;\nor\n(ii) in the case of any other goods—\n(A) immediately the goods are moved to a retention area\nunder section 14 (1) (a) (i); or\n(B) if the goods have not been collected by the owner in\naccordance with a notice affixed to the goods under\nsection 14 (1) (a) (ii).\n(2) However, subsection (1) (e) does not apply if—\n(a) the goods are a vehicle; and\n(b) an authorised officer has reasonable grounds for believing that\nthe vehicle has been abandoned.\nDivision 2.2 Goods not collected when requested\n6 Application of div 2.2\nThis division applies to goods received or held in the absence of an\nagreement for their collection.\n7 Request to collect goods\n(1) A possessor may request the owner of goods to collect the goods\nwithin 7 days of the date of the request.\n\nPart 2 Uncollected goods\nDivision 2.2 Goods not collected when requested\nSection 8\npage 6 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(2) A request under subsection (1) must—\n(a) be in writing; and\n(b) contain—\n(i) a brief description of the goods; and\n(ii) the address at which the goods are available for collection;\nand\n(iii) a statement of the times at which, or the hours between\nwhich, the goods will be available for collection at that\naddress; and\n(iv) a statement that the goods may be disposed of in\naccordance with part 3 if they are not collected within 7\ndays of the date of the request; and\n(v) a statement of any costs that must be met by the owner\nbefore the goods will be released by the possessor.\n(3) A request must—\n(a) be sent to the owner’s last-known address; or\n(b) if the possessor does not have an address for the owner and has\nnot been able to find an address through reasonable inquiry—be\ngiven by public notice.\nNote Public notice means notice on an ACT government website or in a daily\nnewspaper circulating in the ACT (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).\n8 Uncollected goods—goods not collected when requested\nWhere an owner refuses or fails to comply with a request made in\naccordance with section 7, the goods shall be deemed to be\nuncollected goods and may be disposed of in accordance with part 3.\n\nUncollected goods Part 2\nGoods found at pool facilities Division 2.3\nSection 9\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 7\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nDivision 2.3 Goods found at pool facilities\n9 Goods lost or abandoned at pool facilities\nWhere goods that a reasonable person would believe have been lost\nor abandoned are found at a pool facility––\n(a) by an operator of the pool facility or employee of the operator—\nthe operator or employee must take possession of the goods; or\n(b) by any other person––the person must immediately place the\ngoods in the possession of the operator of the pool facility or an\nemployee of the operator.\n10 Lost property register\nAn operator of a pool facility or employee of the operator must, on\ntaking possession of goods, other than perishable goods, under\nsection 9, enter in a register, to be known as the lost property\nregister—\n(a) a description of the goods; and\n(b) any other particulars relating to the goods.\n11 Claims for lost property\n(1) This section applies if a person claims possession of goods entered in\nthe lost property register at a pool facility under section 10.\n(2) A person may be given possession of the goods if the person––\n(a) satisfies the operator of the pool facility or employee of the\noperator that the person is entitled to possession of the goods;\nand\n(b) enters the person’s signature and address in the lost property\nregister as evidence of receiving the goods.\n\nPart 2 Uncollected goods\nDivision 2.4 Goods found on public or unleased land\nSection 12\npage 8 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n12 Uncollected goods––pool facilities\n(1) This section applies if goods have not been given to a person entitled\nto possession of the goods within 3 months after the day the operator\nof the pool facility or an employee of the operator took possession of\nthe goods under section 9 (Goods lost or abandoned at pool facilities).\n(2) The goods are taken to be uncollected goods and may be disposed of\nunder part 3 (Disposal of uncollected goods).\nDivision 2.4 Goods found on public or unleased\nland\n13 Application of div 2.4\nThis division applies in relation to—\n(a) land lying between the carriageway of a public street and the\nboundary of leased land; and\n(b) any part of a public street, including land lying between the\ncarriageways of a public street; and\n(c) any other unleased land, other than unleased land on which there\nare premises in respect of which the housing commissioner is\nthe lessor under a residential tenancy agreement within the\nmeaning of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 to which that Act\napplies.\n14 Goods lost or abandoned on public or unleased land\n(1) Where goods, other than perishable goods or goods of no value, that\na reasonable person would believe have been lost or abandoned are\nfound on land—\n(a) by an authorised officer, the officer may—\n(i) subject to subsection (2), cause the goods to be removed\nand placed in a retention area; or\n\nUncollected goods Part 2\nGoods found on public or unleased land Division 2.4\nSection 14\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 9\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(ii) cause to be affixed to the goods a notice to the effect that\nthe goods may be disposed of in accordance with part 3 if\nthey are not removed within 7 days of the date of the notice;\nor\n(b) by any other person—the person must immediately place the\ngoods in the possession of a police officer.\n(2) Subsection (1) (a) does not apply to—\n(a) goods that are on the land with the authority of an authorised\nofficer or by virtue of any other law of the Territory; or\n(b) an object that is on the land in accordance with a public unleased\nland permit under the Public Unleased Land Act 2013; or\n(c) a vehicle that is parked on a road or road related area (within the\nmeaning of the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic\nManagement) Act 1999, section 42 (Regulations about\nparking))—\n(i) unless the authorised officer has reasonable grounds for\nbelieving that the vehicle—\n(A) is an obstruction or hazard to people on, or who might\ncome on, the land; or\n(B) is placed in a way that contravenes the regulations\nmade under the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic\nManagement) Act 1999; or\n(ii) if the authorised officer has reasonable grounds for\nbelieving that the vehicle is abandoned.\n\nPart 2 Uncollected goods\nDivision 2.4 Goods found on public or unleased land\nSection 15\npage 10 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n15 Uncollected goods—public or unleased land\nWhere goods—\n(a) have been moved to a retention area under section 14 (1) (a) (i);\nor\n(b) are not claimed within the period specified in the notice under\nsection 14 (1) (a) (ii);\nthe goods shall be deemed to be uncollected goods and may be\ndisposed of in accordance with part 3.\n16 Authorised officers\nThe director-general may appoint a person as an authorised officer.\nNote 1 For the making of appointments (including acting appointments), see the\nLegislation Act, pt 19.3.\nNote 2 In particular, an appointment may be made by naming a person or\nnominating the occupant of a position (see Legislation Act, s 207).\n16A Identity cards\n(1) The relevant director-general must give an authorised officer an\nidentity card stating the person’s name and that the person is an\nauthorised officer.\n(2) The identity card must show—\n(a) a recent photograph of the authorised officer; and\n(b) the card’s date of issue and expiry; and\n(c) anything else prescribed by regulation.\n\nUncollected goods Part 2\nGoods found on public or unleased land Division 2.4\nSection 17\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 11\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(3) A person commits an offence if—\n(a) the person stops being an authorised officer; and\n(b) the person does not return the person’s identity card to the\ndirector-general who gave the identity card to the person as soon\nas practicable, but no later than 7 days after the day the person\nstops being an authorised officer.\nMaximum penalty: 1 penalty unit.\n(4) An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.\n17 Retention areas\n(1) The Minister may, in writing, declare that an area of land is a retention\narea for this division.\n(2) A declaration is a notifiable instrument.\n(3) Goods that are on an area of land when the land is declared to be a\nretention area are, for this division, taken to have been placed in the\nretention area under section 14 (1) (a) (i).\n\nPart 3 Disposal of uncollected goods\nDivision 3.1 Mode of disposition\nSection 18\npage 12 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 3 Disposal of uncollected goods\nDivision 3.1 Mode of disposition\n18 Disposal generally\nA possessor may dispose of uncollected goods in accordance with this\npart.\n19 References to time\nIn relation to the disposal of goods under this part—\n(a) a reference to any time is a reference to any time after the goods\nbecame uncollected goods; and\n(b) a reference to a period of time is a reference to the period\ncommencing at the time at which the goods became uncollected\ngoods.\n20 Perishable goods\nPerishable goods may be disposed of by sale, appropriation or\ndestruction at any time.\n21 Personal effects\n(1) Personal effects (other than a personal document) may be disposed of\nby public auction after 3 months.\n(2) A personal document may be disposed of—\n(a) by returning the document to the authority that issued it; or\n(b) if it is not practicable to return the document to the authority that\nissued it—in any other lawful way that the possessor thinks\nappropriate.\n\nDisposal of uncollected goods Part 3\nMode of disposition Division 3.1\nSection 22\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 13\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(3) A personal document must not be disposed of in a way that results in\npersonal information about the owner of the document becoming\npublicly available.\n(4) In this section:\npersonal document means any of the following:\n(a) a birth certificate, passport or other identity document;\n(b) a bank book or other financial statement or document;\n(c) a photograph or other personal memorabilia;\n(d) a licence or other document conferring an authority, right or\nqualification;\n(e) a document prescribed by regulation.\n22 Goods of no value\nGoods of no value may be disposed of by sale, appropriation or\ndestruction—\n(a) for a vehicle that is abandoned (other than a mobile home\nabandoned in a residential park)—immediately; or\n(b) in any other case—after 7 days.\n23 Goods of low value\nGoods of low value may be disposed of by sale, appropriation or\ndestruction—\n(a) for a vehicle that is abandoned (other than a mobile home\nabandoned in a residential park)—immediately; or\n(b) in any other case—after 1 month.\n\nPart 3 Disposal of uncollected goods\nDivision 3.1 Mode of disposition\nSection 24\npage 14 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n24 Goods of significant value\nGoods of significant value may be disposed of by public auction—\n(a) for a vehicle that is abandoned (other than a mobile home\nabandoned in a residential park)—after 14 days; or\n(b) in any other case—after 3 months.\n24A Manufactured homes and mobile homes abandoned in\nresidential parks\n(1) This section applies if the ACAT—\n(a) has declared that a manufactured home or mobile home in a\nresidential park is abandoned under the Residential Tenancies\nAct 1997, section 83 (1) (k) (i); and\n(b) has not made an order under that Act, section 83 (1) (k) (ii).\nNote Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, s 83 (1) (k) (ii) the ACAT may\norder that an abandoned manufactured home or mobile home in a\nresidential park that is not fit for human habitation may be disposed of\nother than by sale.\n(2) The manufactured home or mobile home may be disposed of by\npublic auction after 14 days from the date of the ACAT order.\n(3) In this section:\nmanufactured home—see the Residential Tenancies Act 1997,\ndictionary.\nresidential park—see the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, dictionary.\n\nDisposal of uncollected goods Part 3\nSale of goods Division 3.2\nSection 25\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 15\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nDivision 3.2 Sale of goods\n25 Public auctions\n(1) If uncollected goods are to be disposed of by public auction, the\npossessor must, at least 7 days before the auction, give public notice\nof—\n(a) the time and place of the auction; and\n(b) a general description of the goods to be sold.\nNote Public notice means notice on an ACT government website or in a daily\nnewspaper circulating in the ACT (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).\n(2) Any goods passed in at the auction may be disposed of or destroyed\nin such manner as the possessor sees fit.\nDivision 3.3 Claims by owners\n26 Claim by owner before disposal\n(1) Where, at any time before the disposal of uncollected goods, a person\nsatisfies the possessor that the person is the owner of goods, the\npossessor may give the goods to that person.\n(2) The possessor may, before handing over goods under subsection (1),\nrequire the owner to pay—\n(a) the reasonable costs incurred by the possessor in complying with\nthis Act; and\n(b) the reasonable costs incurred by the possessor in storing and\nmaintaining the goods prior to collection; and\n(c) the amount of any lien under the Mercantile Law Act 1962 the\npossessor has over the goods; and\n(d) the amount of any unpaid rent the owner owes to the possessor.\n\nPart 3 Disposal of uncollected goods\nDivision 3.3 Claims by owners\nSection 27\npage 16 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n27 Review of possessor’s costs\nThe owner of uncollected goods may, at any time before the goods\nare disposed of under this part, apply to the Magistrates Court for a\nreview of any costs that the possessor requires the owner to pay under\nsection 26 (2) and the court may make an order—\n(a) that the goods not be disposed of until the application has been\ndetermined; or\n(b) disallowing the possessor’s costs in whole or in part.\n\nGoods found on Territory premises or property Part 4\nSection 27A\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 17\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 4 Goods found on Territory\npremises or property\n27A Application of pt 4\nThis part does not apply to premises in respect of which the housing\ncommissioner is the lessor under a residential tenancy agreement\nwithin the meaning of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 to which\nthat Act applies.\n28 Goods lost or abandoned on Territory controlled\npremises etc\nWhere goods that a reasonable person would believe have been lost\nor abandoned are found on premises, or in an aircraft, vessel, vehicle,\ncontainer or receptacle under the control of the Territory, the person\nwho found the goods must place them in the possession—\n(a) of a public employee who appears to be in charge of the place\nwhere the goods were found; or\n(b) of a police officer.\n29 Disposal of goods found on Territory controlled premises\n(1) Where goods have been placed in the possession of a public employee\nunder section 28 (a), the Territory may—\n(a) in the case of perishable goods—dispose of them at any time by\nappropriation or destruction; or\n(b) in the case of any other goods—dispose of them by sale at any\ntime after a period of 3 months commencing on the day on which\nthey were placed in the possession of that employee.\n(2) Goods must not be sold under subsection (1) (b) if it would be\nimpracticable or undesirable in the public interest to do so.\n\nPart 5 Miscellaneous\nSection 30\npage 18 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 5 Miscellaneous\n30 Proceeds of sale\n(1) The possessor may retain from the proceeds of the sale of any goods\nunder part 3—\n(a) the reasonable costs incurred by the possessor in complying with\nthis Act; and\n(b) the reasonable costs incurred by the possessor in storing and\nmaintaining the goods prior to sale; and\n(c) the amount secured by any lien under the Mercantile Law\nAct 1962 that the possessor has over the goods; and\n(d) the amount of any unpaid rent the owner owes to the possessor.\n(2) Any balance of the proceeds remaining after the possessor has\nretained an amount under subsection (1) is payable to the Territory\nwho must pay the money into a trust bank account.\n(3) The Territory may pay into the territory banking account from the\nproceeds of the sale of any goods under section 29 (1) (b) an amount\nequal to the reasonable costs incurred by the Territory in—\n(a) storing and maintaining the goods prior to sale; and\n(b) selling the goods.\n(4) The balance of the proceeds remaining after the Territory has retained\nan amount under subsection (3) must be paid into a trust bank\naccount.\n(5) Interest received from the investment of any money paid into a trust\nbank account under subsection (2) or (4) must be used—\n(a) to meet any costs of administering money paid into the account\nunder subsection (2) or (4); or\n(b) for any other prescribed purpose.\n\nMiscellaneous Part 5\nSection 31\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 19\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(6) Any money paid into a trust bank account under subsection (2) or (4)\nshall, on the expiry of the period of 3 years after the date on which\nthe money was so paid, be deemed to be interest for subsection (5).\n31 Payments by Territory\n(1) Where the Minister is satisfied that prior to the sale of any goods\nunder part 3 or section 29 (1) (b), a person had an interest in those\ngoods, the Minister may pay to that person the whole or any part of\nthe balance paid to the Minister in respect of the sale of those goods\nunder section 30 (2) or (4).\n(2) The Minister may only make such a payment if the person makes a\nclaim for payment before the period referred to in section 30 (6)\nexpires.\n(3) The Minister may make a payment referred to in subsection (2) even\nif the period referred to in section 30 (6) has expired before the claim\nis decided.\n32 Protection of possessors\n(1) No action shall lie against a possessor by reason of the taking or\ngiving of possession, or the sale, appropriation or destruction, of\ngoods under this Act.\n(2) A possessor acting under this Act is not liable for any reasonable\ndamage caused by the removal or retention of goods.\n33 Rights not to be affected\nNothing in this Act abrogates, limits or in any manner affects—\n(a) any lien, power of sale or other right (whether arising under\ncontract or by operation of law) that a possessor may have apart\nfrom this Act with respect to any goods possessed by them; or\n(b) the enforcement of such a lien or the exercise of such a power\nor right.\n\nPart 5 Miscellaneous\nSection 34\npage 20 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n34 Evidence\nIn proceedings for an offence against this Act, a certificate signed by\nthe director-general stating that land specified in the certificate is\nunleased land is evidence of that matter.\n35 Title\nA person who acquires goods that are sold or disposed of under this\nAct acquires title to the goods free of any mortgage, lien or charge in\nfavour of another person affecting the goods of which the person who\nacquires the goods was unaware at the time of the acquisition.\n36 Mode of disposition\nNothing in this Act shall be taken as authorising a mode of disposition\nof goods that would otherwise be contrary to another law of the\nTerritory.\n37 Request provisions—substantial compliance\nUnless the contrary intention appears, strict compliance with the\nprovisions relating to the making of an instrument under this Act is\nnot necessary and substantial compliance, or such compliance as the\ncircumstances of a particular case allow, is sufficient.\n38 Regulation-making power\nThe Executive may make regulations for this Act.\n\nDictionary\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 21\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nDictionary\n(see s 2)\nNote 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to\nthis Act.\nNote 2 For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1 defines the following terms:\n• ACT\n• Commonwealth\n• director-general (see s 163)\n• State\n• the Territory.\nauthorised officer means an authorised officer under section 16.\ncarriageway, in relation to a public street, includes the gutter (if any)\nof the public street.\ngoods means moveable personal property, including animals and\nfood.\ngoods of low value means uncollected goods having a net value of\nmore than $20 but less than $500.\ngoods of no value means uncollected goods having a net value of $20\nor less.\ngoods of significant value means uncollected goods having a net\nvalue of $500 or more.\nlight rail vehicle—see the Road Transport (General) Act 1999,\ndictionary.\nmobile home—see the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, dictionary.\nnet value, in relation to goods, means the market value of the goods\nless the reasonable costs of selling the goods including removal,\nstorage, preservation, transportation and advertising costs.\n\nDictionary\npage 22 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\noff-street parking area means an area of land available for use by the\npublic, whether with or without the payment of money, for the\nparking of motor vehicles, and includes—\n(a) the entrances to, the exits from and the passageways in such an\narea; and\n(b) the area of land that is situated between the entrances to and the\nexits from such an area and a public street and that is used for\naccess to the area.\noperator, of a pool facility––see the Public Pools Act 2015, section 8.\nowner means the owner of goods in the possession of another person.\nperishable goods means—\n(a) animals; or\n(b) perishable foodstuffs; or\n(c) articles that are, or could become, noxious or a danger to public\nhealth.\npool facility––see the Public Pools Act 2015, section 10.\npossessor means a person in possession of goods belonging to another\nperson.\npublic place means—\n(a) an off-street parking area; or\n(b) a loading area; or\n(c) a wharf, pier or jetty; or\n(d) the Lake Burley Griffin foreshores; or\n(e) any part of a park, reserve, recreational or sporting ground,\nracecourse, or any other open place, to which the public has\naccess whether with or without payment for admission, other\nthan a street, road or lane that is prepared with cement or\nconcrete or is sealed with bitumen or other sealing substance.\n\nDictionary\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 23\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\npublic street means a street, road, lane or footpath (including a street,\nroad, lane or footpath on or forming part of a bridge) that is open to\nor used by the public, but does not include—\n(a) an entrance-driveway leading to a parcel of land; or\n(b) any part of a public place.\nretention area means an area declared under section 17 to be a\nretention area for division 2.4.\ntrust bank account means a trust bank account opened by the\nMinister or the director-general and maintained under the Financial\nManagement Act 1996, section 51.\nuncollected goods—see section 5.\nvalue means the price goods would attract in the market where no\nspecial or extraordinary effort would be expended in selling them,\nirrespective of a particular contract.\nvehicle—\n(a) means any means of conveyance which runs on wheels,\nincluding a light rail vehicle; but\n(b) does not include—\n(i) a wheelchair; or\n(ii) a vehicle (other than a light rail vehicle) that is used on a\nrailway.\n\nEndnotes\n1 About the endnotes\npage 24 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nEndnotes\n1 About the endnotes\nAmending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the\namendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law\nbut are set out in the endnotes.\nNot all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are\nannotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be\nobtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.\nUncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details\nof these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are\nunderlined in the legislation history and amendment history.\nIf all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered\nprovisions gives details of previous and current numbering.\nThe endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.\n2 Abbreviation key\nA = Act NI = Notifiable instrument\nAF = Approved form o = order\nam = amended om = omitted/repealed\namdt = amendment ord = ordinance\nAR = Assembly resolution orig = original\nch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph\nCN = Commencement notice pres = present\ndef = definition prev = previous\nDI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously\ndict = dictionary pt = part\ndisallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule\nAssembly reloc = relocated\ndiv = division renum = renumbered\nexp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No\nGaz = gazette RI = reissue\nhdg = heading s = section/subsection\nIA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule\nins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision\nLA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law\nLR = legislation register sub = substituted\nLRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced\nmod = modified/modification or to be expired\n\nEndnotes\nLegislation history 3\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n3 Legislation history\nUncollected Goods Act 1996 A1996-86\nnotified 20 December 1996 (Gaz 1996 No S328)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 20 December 1996 (s 2 (1))\nremainder commended 19 March 1997 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1997 No S71)\nas amended by\nResidential Tenancies (Consequential Provisions) Act 1998 A1998-4\nsch\nnotified 25 May 1998 (Gaz 1998 No S150)\nsch commenced 25 May 1998 (s 2)\nLaw Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1999 A1999-66 sch 3\nnotified 10 November 1999 (Gaz 1999 No 45)\nsch 3 commenced 10 November 1999 (s 2)\nRoad Transport Legislation Amendment Act 1999 A1999-79 sch 3\nnotified 23 December 1999 (Gaz 1999 No S65)\nsch 3 commenced 1 March 2000 (s 2 and see Gaz 2000 No S5)\nLegislation (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001 A2001-44 pt 399\nnotified 26 July 2001 (Gaz 2001 No 30)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 26 July 2001 (IA s 10B)\npt 399 commenced 12 September 2001 (s 2 and see Gaz 2001\nNo S65)\nStock Act 2005 A2005-19 sch 1 pt 1.3\nnotified LR 13 April 2005\ns 1, s 2 commenced 13 April 2005 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.3 commenced 26 August 2005 (s 2 and CN2005-13)\nCriminal Code Harmonisation Act 2005 A2005-54 sch 1 pt 1.36\nnotified LR 27 October 2005\ns 1, s 2 commenced 27 October 2005 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.36 commenced 24 November 2005 (s 2)\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2007 A2007-3 sch 3 pt 3.110\nnotified LR 22 March 2007\ns 1, s 2 taken to have commenced 1 July 2006 (LA s 75 (2))\nsch 3 pt 3.110 commenced 12 April 2007 (s 2 (1))\n\nEndnotes\n3 Legislation history\npage 26 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nHousing Assistance Act 2007 A2007-8 sch 1 pt 1.10\nnotified LR 10 May 2007\ns 1, s 2 commenced 10 May 2007 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.10 commenced 10 November 2007 (s 2 and LA s 79)\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2009 A2009-20 sch 3 pt 3.73\nnotified LR 1 September 2009\ns 1, s 2 commenced 1 September 2009 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 3 pt 3.73 commenced 22 September 2009 (s 2)\nAdministrative (One ACT Public Service Miscellaneous Amendments)\nAct 2011 A2011-22 sch 1 pt 1.160\nnotified LR 30 June 2011\ns 1, s 2 commenced 30 June 2011 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.160 commenced 1 July 2011 (s 2 (1))\nPublic Unleased Land Act 2013 A2013-3 sch 2 pt 2.12\nnotified LR 21 February 2013\ns 1, s 2 commenced 21 February 2013 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 2 pt 2.12 commenced 1 July 2013 (s 2 and CN2013-9)\nPublic Pools Act 2015 A2015-7 sch 2 pt 2.2\nnotified LR 31 March 2015\ns 1, s 2 commenced 31 March 2015 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 2 pt 2.2 commenced 1 July 2015 (s 2 and CN2015-8)\nRed Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Act 2015 A2015-33\nsch 1 pt 1.67\nnotified LR 30 September 2015\ns 1, s 2 commenced 30 September 2015 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.67 commenced 14 October 2015 (s 2)\nResidential Tenancies Legislation Amendment Act 2016 A2016-50\npt 3\nnotified LR 24 August 2016\ns 1, s 2 commenced 24 August 2016 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 3 commenced 24 August 2017 (s 2 (3))\n\nEndnotes\nLegislation history 3\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 27\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nRoad Transport Reform (Light Rail) Legislation Amendment Act 2017\nA2017-21 sch 1 pt 1.16\nnotified LR 8 August 2017\ns 1, s 2 commenced 8 August 2017 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.16 commenced 15 August 2017 (s 2)\nLitter Legislation Amendment Act 2019 A2019-39 pt 5\nnotified LR 31 October 2019\ns 1, s 2 commenced 31 October 2019 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 5 commenced 1 November 2019 (s 2 (1))\nResidential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020 (No 2) A2020-48 sch 1\npt 1.2\nnotified LR 3 September 2020\ns 1, s 2 commenced 3 September 2020 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.2 commenced 3 March 2021 (s 2 (1) and LA s 79)\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2025 A2025-29 sch 3 pt 3.94, sch 4\npt 4.180\nnotified LR 6 November 2025\ns 1, s 2 commenced 6 November 2025 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 3 pt 3.94, sch 4 pt 4.180 commenced 26 November 2025 (s 2 (3),\n(9))\n\nEndnotes\n4 Amendment history\npage 28 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n4 Amendment history\nName of Act\ns 1 sub A2007-3 amdt 3.538\nDictionary\ns 2 om A2001-44 amdt 1.4145\nins A2005-54 amdt 1.242\nsub A2007-3 amdt 3.539\nNotes\ns 2A ins A2005-54 amdt 1.242\nsub A2007-3 amdt 3.539\nOffences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc\ns 2B ins A2007-3 amdt 3.539\nApplication of Act\ns 3 am A2005-19 amdt 1.3; A2007-3 amdt 3.540\nDefinitions for Act\ns 4 defs reloc to dict A2007-3 amdt 3.543\nom A2007-3 amdt 3.544\nMeaning of uncollected goods\ndiv 2.1 hdg (prev pt 2 div 1 hdg) renum R2 LA\nGoods deemed uncollected\ns 5 am A2015-7 amdt 2.18; A2016-50 s 32, s 33; A2019-39 s 49\nApplication of div 2.2\ns 6 am A2016-50 s 34\nRequest to collect goods\ns 7 am A2009-20 amdt 3.212; A2015-33 amdt 1.232; A2025-29\namdt 3.346\nGoods not collected when requested\ndiv 2.2hdg (prev pt 2 div 2 hdg) renum R2 LA\nGoods found at public baths\ndiv 2.3 hdg (prev pt 2 div 3 hdg) renum R2 LA\nsub A2015-7 amdt 2.19\nGoods lost or abandoned at pool facilities\ns 9 sub A2015-7 amdt 2.20\nLost property register\ns 10 am A2015-7 amdt 2.21\nClaims for lost property\ns 11 sub A2015-7 amdt 2.22\n\nEndnotes\nAmendment history 4\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 29\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nUncollected goods––pool facilities\ns 12 sub A2015-7 amdt 2.23\nGoods found on public or unleased land\ndiv 2.4 hdg (prev pt 2 div 4 hdg) renum R2 LA\nApplication of div 2.4\ns 13 am A1998-4 sch; A2007-8 amdt 1.21\nGoods lost or abandoned on public or unleased land\ns 14 am A1999-79 sch 3; A2013-3 amdt 2.35; A2019-39 s 50;\nA2025-29 amdt 3.339; amdt 3.340\nAuthorised officers\ns 16 am A1999-66 sch 3; A2005-54 amdt 1.243\nsub A2007-3 amdt 3.545\n(2)-(4) exp 12 April 2008 (s 16 (4) (LA s 88 declaration\napplies))\nam A2011-22 amdt 1.448\nIdentity cards\ns 16A ins A2005-54 amdt 1.244\n(5)-(7) exp 24 November 2005 (s 16A (7))\nam A2011-22 amdt 1.448\nRetention areas\ns 17 sub A2001-44 amdt 1.4146\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.182\nPersonal effects\ns 21 sub A2016-50 s 35\nMode of disposition\ndiv 3.1 hdg (prev pt 3 div 1 hdg) renum R2 LA\nGoods of no value\ns 22 sub A2019-39 s 51\nam A2020-48 amdt 1.12\nGoods of low value\ns 23 sub A2019-39 s 51\nam A2020-48 amdt 1.13\nGoods of significant value\ns 24 sub A2019-39 s 51\nam A2020-48 amdt 1.14\nManufactured homes and mobile homes abandoned in residential parks\ns 24A ins A2020-48 amdt 1.15\nam A2025-29 amdts 3.341-3.343; am R18 LA\nSale of goods\ndiv 3.2 hdg (prev pt 3 div 2 hdg) renum R2 LA\n\nEndnotes\n4 Amendment history\npage 30 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPublic auctions\ns 25 am A2009-20 amdt 3.212; A2015-33 amdt 1.233\nClaims by owners\ndiv 3.3 hdg (prev pt 3 div 3 hdg) renum R2 LA\nClaim by owner before disposal\ns 26 am A2025-29 amdt 3.344\nApplication of pt 4\ns 27A ins A1998-4 sch\nam A2007-8 amdt 1.21\nGoods lost or abandoned on Territory controlled premises etc\ns 28 am A2025-29 amdt 3.346\nDisposal of goods found on Territory controlled premises\ns 29 am A2025-29 amdt 3.346\nProceeds of sale\ns 30 am A2025-29 amdt 3.346\nRights not to be affected\ns 33 am A2025-29 amdt 3.345\nEvidence\ns 34 am A2011-22 amdt 1.448\nRegulation-making power\ns 38 am A2001-44 amdt 1.4147; A2025-29 amdt 4.183\nDictionary\ndict ins A2007-3 amdt 3.546, A2009-20 amdt 3.213\nam A2011-22 amdt 1.449; A2015-33 amdt 1.234\ndef authorised officer reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\ndef carriageway reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\ndef goods reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\ndef goods of low value reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\ndef goods of no value reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\ndef goods of significant value reloc from s 4 A2007-3\namdt 3.543\ndef leased public baths sub A2007-3 amdt 3.541\nreloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\nom A2015-7 amdt 2.24\ndef light rail vehicle ins A2017-21 amdt1.37\ndef manager sub A2007-3 amdt 3.541\nreloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\nom A2015-7 amdt 2.24\ndef mobile home ins A2020-48 amdt 1.16\ndef net value reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\ndef off-street parking area reloc from s 4 A2007-3\namdt 3.543\n\nEndnotes\nAmendment history 4\nR18\n02/12/25\nUncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 31\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\ndef operator ins A2015-7 amdt 2.25\ndef owner reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\ndef perishable goods reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\ndef personal effects reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\nom A2016-50 s 35\ndef pool facility ins A2015-7 amdt 2.25\ndef possessor reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\ndef public baths sub A2007-3 amdt 3.542\nreloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\nom A2015-7 amdt 2.26\ndef public place reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\ndef public street reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\ndef retention area reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\ndef trust bank account reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\nam A2011-22 amdt 1.450\ndef uncollected goods reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\ndef value reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\ndef vehicle reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543\nsub A2017-21 amdt 1.38\n\nEndnotes\n5 Earlier republications\npage 32 Uncollected Goods Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR18\n02/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n5 Earlier republications\nSome earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to\nthe publication order.\nSince 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in\nelectronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised\nrepublications have also been published in printed format. These republications are\nmarked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an\nauthorised republication are identical.\nRepublication No Amendments to Republication date\n1 A1999-79 30 April 2000\n2 A2001-44 13 December 2001\n3 A2005-19 26 August 2005\n4 A2005-54 24 November 2005\n5 A2005-54 25 November 2005\n6 A2007-3 12 April 2007\n7 A2007-8 10 November 2007\n8 A2007-8 13 April 2008\n9 A2009-20 22 September 2009\n10 A2011-22 1 July 2011\n11 A2013-3 1 July 2013\n12 A2015-7 1 July 2015\n13 A2015-33 14 October 2015\n14 A2017-21 15 August 2017\n15 A2017-21 24 August 2017\n16 A2019-39 1 November 2019\n17 A2020-48 3 March 2021\n© Australian Capital Territory 2025","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"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"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The original 1996 Act appears to have been focused primarily on commercial bailment situations (goods left with businesses). The current version has expanded significantly to cover: goods found at pool facilities (added 2015), goods on public/unleased land with detailed vehicle exceptions (amended 2019, 2025), Territory-controlled premises (added 1998), and manufactured homes in residential parks (added 2020). The scope has grown from a simple 'uncollected goods from commercial transactions' statute to a comprehensive lost property and abandoned goods regime covering public spaces, government property, and residential tenancies."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple overlapping categories for how goods become 'uncollected' (agreement breach, lien under Mercantile Law Act, no agreement, pool facilities, public land)","Nested exceptions in Division 2.4 regarding vehicles on public land (section 14(2)(c) has two sub-exceptions for when vehicles can be moved)","Cross-references to at least 6 other ACT Acts (Mercantile Law Act, Residential Tenancies Act, Public Pools Act, Public Unleased Land Act, Road Transport Act, Firearms Act, etc.)","Value-based tiered disposal system with different waiting periods (immediate, 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, 14 days for vehicles)","Specific carve-outs for manufactured/mobile homes in residential parks (section 24A) requiring ACAT orders","Distinction between 'appropriation' (taking for own use) and 'destruction' vs 'sale' for different value categories","Special handling requirements for personal documents to prevent privacy breaches"],"plain_english_summary":"This ACT law sets out when goods left with another person or found on public or Territory land become \"uncollected,\" and how holders may lawfully record, store, sell, or dispose of them while protecting themselves from liability. It affects businesses, landlords, pool operators, government agencies, finders and owners, and matters because it gives a clear, time‑bound procedure to clear abandoned or lost property, recover costs, and preserve owners’ rights."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act’s operational scope has expanded since enactment through amendments that add specific contexts and actors. Notable additions in the current text include rules for goods at pool facilities (ss 9–12), goods found on public or unleased land with retention areas (ss 13–17), treatment of goods on Territory‑controlled premises (pt 4, ss 27A, 28–29), and a special regime for manufactured/mobile homes in residential parks (s 24A). These changes introduce new decision‑makers (pool operators, authorised officers, Ministerial retention area declarations) and broaden where the disposal powers apply, while retaining exceptions to application (s 3)."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple categories of goods (perishable, no value, low value, significant value) with distinct timeframes and disposal rules (ss 20–24).","Detailed procedural requirements for notices, requests and registers (ss 7–8, 10–12, 14).","Overlap and cross‑references with other Territory laws and defined exceptions (s 3; dictionary cross‑refs).","Different disposal powers depending on context: private possessor, pool operator, authorised officer, Territory (pts 2–4).","Financial flow and post‑sale treatment (retention of costs, trust account rules, Ministerial payments) (ss 30–31).","Appeal and review paths (Magistrates Court can review possessor’s costs) (s 27).","Appointments, identity cards and discretion for authorised officers and Ministerial declarations of retention areas (ss 16–17, 16A).","Protections for possessors from civil liability and limits where other laws prevail (ss 32, 36).","Extensive definitions and value calculations in the dictionary that affect application (dictionary: net value, goods categories)."],"plain_english_summary":"This Act sets out when goods in another person’s possession become “uncollected” and the steps a possessor, authorised officer or the Territory may take to remove, store and ultimately dispose of those goods after specified notices and timeframes. It applies across contexts such as businesses, pool facilities, public or unleased land and Territory premises.\n\nOwners must pay reasonable costs before reclaiming goods (s26); sale proceeds first meet the possessor’s costs, then go to the Territory (s30). Decision‑makers include possessors, authorised officers and the Minister (s16, s17)."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/uncollected-goods-act-1996","history":"/api/acts/uncollected-goods-act-1996/history","analysis":"/api/acts/uncollected-goods-act-1996/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/uncollected-goods-act-1996/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/uncollected-goods-act-1996/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/uncollected-goods-act-1996/documents"}}