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Australian Capital Territory
Uncollected Goods Act 1996
A1996-86
Republication No 18
Effective: 26 November 2025
Republication date: 2 December 2025
Last amendment made by A2025-29
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
About this republication
The republished law
This is a republication of the Uncollected Goods Act 1996 (including any amendment made under
the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 2 December 2025. It also
includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting this republished law to
26 November 2025.
The legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3
and 4.
Kinds of republications
The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT
legislation register at www.legislation.act.gov.au):
• authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies
• unauthorised republications.
The status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.
Editorial changes
The Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial
amendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication.
Editorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by
an Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The
changes are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into
line, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.
This republication includes amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).
Uncommenced provisions and amendments
If a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately
before the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law
are accessible on the ACT legislation register (www.legislation.act.gov.au). For more
information, see the home page for this law on the register.
Modifications
If a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the
symbol M appears immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying
provision appears in the endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation
Act 2001, section 95.
Penalties
At the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $160 for an
individual and $810 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).
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Uncollected Goods Act 1996
Contents
Page
Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Act 2
2 Dictionary 2
2A Notes 2
2B Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc 3
3 Application of Act 3
Part 2 Uncollected goods
Division 2.1 Meaning of uncollected goods
5 Goods deemed uncollected 4
Division 2.2 Goods not collected when requested
6 Application of div 2.2 5
7 Request to collect goods 5
8 Uncollected goods—goods not collected when requested 6
Contents
Page
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Division 2.3 Goods found at pool facilities
9 Goods lost or abandoned at pool facilities 7
10 Lost property register 7
11 Claims for lost property 7
12 Uncollected goods––pool facilities 8
Division 2.4 Goods found on public or unleased land
13 Application of div 2.4 8
14 Goods lost or abandoned on public or unleased land 8
15 Uncollected goods—public or unleased land 10
16 Authorised officers 10
16A Identity cards 10
17 Retention areas 11
Part 3 Disposal of uncollected goods
Division 3.1 Mode of disposition
18 Disposal generally 12
19 References to time 12
20 Perishable goods 12
21 Personal effects 12
22 Goods of no value 13
23 Goods of low value 13
24 Goods of significant value 14
24A Manufactured homes and mobile homes abandoned in residential
parks 14
Division 3.2 Sale of goods
25 Public auctions 15
Division 3.3 Claims by owners
26 Claim by owner before disposal 15
27 Review of possessor’s costs 16
Part 4 Goods found on Territory premises or
property
27A Application of pt 4 17
28 Goods lost or abandoned on Territory controlled premises etc 17
29 Disposal of goods found on Territory controlled premises 17
Contents
Page
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Part 5 Miscellaneous
30 Proceeds of sale 18
31 Payments by Territory 19
32 Protection of possessors 19
33 Rights not to be affected 19
34 Evidence 20
35 Title 20
36 Mode of disposition 20
37 Request provisions—substantial compliance 20
38 Regulation-making power 20
Dictionary 21
Endnotes
1 About the endnotes 24
2 Abbreviation key 24
3 Legislation history 25
4 Amendment history 28
5 Earlier republications 32
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Australian Capital Territory
Uncollected Goods Act 1996
An Act to provide for the disposal of uncollected, lost or abandoned goods, and
for related purposes
Part 1 Preliminary
Section 1
page 2 Uncollected Goods Act 1996
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Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Act
This Act is the Uncollected Goods Act 1996.
2 Dictionary
The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.
Note 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this
Act, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined
elsewhere in this Act.
For example, the signpost definition ‘uncollected goods—see section 5.’
means that the term ‘uncollected goods’ is defined in that section.
Note 2 A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to
the entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act,
provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see
Legislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).
2A Notes
A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.
Note See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.
Preliminary Part 1
Section 2B
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2B Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc
Other legislation applies in relation to offences against this Act.
Note 1 Criminal Code
The Criminal Code, ch 2 applies to all offences against this Act (see
Code, pt 2.1).
The chapter sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility
(including burdens of proof and general defences), and defines terms used
for offences to which the Code applies (eg conduct, intention,
recklessness and strict liability).
Note 2 Penalty units
The Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties
that are expressed in penalty units.
3 Application of Act
(1) Subject to subsection (2), this Act applies to goods in the possession
of a person whether the goods came into the person’s possession
before, on or after the commencement of this section.
(2) This Act does not apply to—
(a) unclaimed prizes under the Lotteries Act 1964; or
(b) unclaimed moneys under the Unclaimed Money Act 1950; or
(c) cheques, IOUs or other writings for securing the payment of
money, goods or other property; or
(d) animals under the Domestic Animals Act 2000 or the
Stock Act 2005; or
(e) firearms, firearm parts or ammunition under the Firearms
Act 1996; or
(f) prohibited weapons or prohibited articles under the Prohibited
Weapons Act 1996.
Part 2 Uncollected goods
Division 2.1 Meaning of uncollected goods
Section 5
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Part 2 Uncollected goods
Division 2.1 Meaning of uncollected goods
5 Goods deemed uncollected
(1) Goods shall be deemed to be uncollected goods for this Act—
(a) where the possessor received or holds the goods in pursuance of
an agreement under which—
(i) the owner was to collect the goods at a certain time or
within a certain period and has failed to do so; or
(ii) the possessor was to deliver the goods to the owner and,
after making a reasonable attempt, the possessor is unable
to do so in accordance with the agreement; and
(b) where the possessor has a lien on the goods under the Mercantile
Law Act 1962 and a notice of intention to sell the goods has been
given in accordance with section 22 (2) of that Act, but the
charges stated in the notice have not been paid by the day
specified in the notice; and
(c) where the goods are received or held by the possessor in the
absence of any agreement regarding collection of the goods—
(i) in the case of perishable goods or goods of no value—
immediately the goods are received or held by the
possessor; or
(ii) in the case of any other goods—the owner has refused or
failed to comply with a request made in accordance with
section 7 to collect the goods; and
(d) where the goods were lost or abandoned at a pool facility––
(i) in the case of perishable goods or goods of no value––
immediately the operator of the pool facility or employee
of the operator takes possession of the goods; or
Uncollected goods Part 2
Goods not collected when requested Division 2.2
Section 6
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(ii) in the case of any other goods—if the goods have not been
given to a person entitled to their possession within the
period specified in section 12; and
(e) where the goods were lost or abandoned on public or unleased
land—
(i) in the case of perishable goods or goods of no value—
immediately the goods are found by an authorised officer;
or
(ii) in the case of any other goods—
(A) immediately the goods are moved to a retention area
under section 14 (1) (a) (i); or
(B) if the goods have not been collected by the owner in
accordance with a notice affixed to the goods under
section 14 (1) (a) (ii).
(2) However, subsection (1) (e) does not apply if—
(a) the goods are a vehicle; and
(b) an authorised officer has reasonable grounds for believing that
the vehicle has been abandoned.
Division 2.2 Goods not collected when requested
6 Application of div 2.2
This division applies to goods received or held in the absence of an
agreement for their collection.
7 Request to collect goods
(1) A possessor may request the owner of goods to collect the goods
within 7 days of the date of the request.
Part 2 Uncollected goods
Division 2.2 Goods not collected when requested
Section 8
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(2) A request under subsection (1) must—
(a) be in writing; and
(b) contain—
(i) a brief description of the goods; and
(ii) the address at which the goods are available for collection;
and
(iii) a statement of the times at which, or the hours between
which, the goods will be available for collection at that
address; and
(iv) a statement that the goods may be disposed of in
accordance with part 3 if they are not collected within 7
days of the date of the request; and
(v) a statement of any costs that must be met by the owner
before the goods will be released by the possessor.
(3) A request must—
(a) be sent to the owner’s last-known address; or
(b) if the possessor does not have an address for the owner and has
not been able to find an address through reasonable inquiry—be
given by public notice.
Note Public notice means notice on an ACT government website or in a daily
newspaper circulating in the ACT (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
8 Uncollected goods—goods not collected when requested
Where an owner refuses or fails to comply with a request made in
accordance with section 7, the goods shall be deemed to be
uncollected goods and may be disposed of in accordance with part 3.
Uncollected goods Part 2
Goods found at pool facilities Division 2.3
Section 9
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Division 2.3 Goods found at pool facilities
9 Goods lost or abandoned at pool facilities
Where goods that a reasonable person would believe have been lost
or abandoned are found at a pool facility––
(a) by an operator of the pool facility or employee of the operator—
the operator or employee must take possession of the goods; or
(b) by any other person––the person must immediately place the
goods in the possession of the operator of the pool facility or an
employee of the operator.
10 Lost property register
An operator of a pool facility or employee of the operator must, on
taking possession of goods, other than perishable goods, under
section 9, enter in a register, to be known as the lost property
register—
(a) a description of the goods; and
(b) any other particulars relating to the goods.
11 Claims for lost property
(1) This section applies if a person claims possession of goods entered in
the lost property register at a pool facility under section 10.
(2) A person may be given possession of the goods if the person––
(a) satisfies the operator of the pool facility or employee of the
operator that the person is entitled to possession of the goods;
and
(b) enters the person’s signature and address in the lost property
register as evidence of receiving the goods.
Part 2 Uncollected goods
Division 2.4 Goods found on public or unleased land
Section 12
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12 Uncollected goods––pool facilities
(1) This section applies if goods have not been given to a person entitled
to possession of the goods within 3 months after the day the operator
of the pool facility or an employee of the operator took possession of
the goods under section 9 (Goods lost or abandoned at pool facilities).
(2) The goods are taken to be uncollected goods and may be disposed of
under part 3 (Disposal of uncollected goods).
Division 2.4 Goods found on public or unleased
land
13 Application of div 2.4
This division applies in relation to—
(a) land lying between the carriageway of a public street and the
boundary of leased land; and
(b) any part of a public street, including land lying between the
carriageways of a public street; and
(c) any other unleased land, other than unleased land on which there
are premises in respect of which the housing commissioner is
the lessor under a residential tenancy agreement within the
meaning of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 to which that Act
applies.
14 Goods lost or abandoned on public or unleased land
(1) Where goods, other than perishable goods or goods of no value, that
a reasonable person would believe have been lost or abandoned are
found on land—
(a) by an authorised officer, the officer may—
(i) subject to subsection (2), cause the goods to be removed
and placed in a retention area; or
Uncollected goods Part 2
Goods found on public or unleased land Division 2.4
Section 14
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(ii) cause to be affixed to the goods a notice to the effect that
the goods may be disposed of in accordance with part 3 if
they are not removed within 7 days of the date of the notice;
or
(b) by any other person—the person must immediately place the
goods in the possession of a police officer.
(2) Subsection (1) (a) does not apply to—
(a) goods that are on the land with the authority of an authorised
officer or by virtue of any other law of the Territory; or
(b) an object that is on the land in accordance with a public unleased
land permit under the Public Unleased Land Act 2013; or
(c) a vehicle that is parked on a road or road related area (within the
meaning of the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic
Management) Act 1999, section 42 (Regulations about
parking))—
(i) unless the authorised officer has reasonable grounds for
believing that the vehicle—
(A) is an obstruction or hazard to people on, or who might
come on, the land; or
(B) is placed in a way that contravenes the regulations
made under the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic
Management) Act 1999; or
(ii) if the authorised officer has reasonable grounds for
believing that the vehicle is abandoned.
Part 2 Uncollected goods
Division 2.4 Goods found on public or unleased land
Section 15
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15 Uncollected goods—public or unleased land
Where goods—
(a) have been moved to a retention area under section 14 (1) (a) (i);
or
(b) are not claimed within the period specified in the notice under
section 14 (1) (a) (ii);
the goods shall be deemed to be uncollected goods and may be
disposed of in accordance with part 3.
16 Authorised officers
The director-general may appoint a person as an authorised officer.
Note 1 For the making of appointments (including acting appointments), see the
Legislation Act, pt 19.3.
Note 2 In particular, an appointment may be made by naming a person or
nominating the occupant of a position (see Legislation Act, s 207).
16A Identity cards
(1) The relevant director-general must give an authorised officer an
identity card stating the person’s name and that the person is an
authorised officer.
(2) The identity card must show—
(a) a recent photograph of the authorised officer; and
(b) the card’s date of issue and expiry; and
(c) anything else prescribed by regulation.
Uncollected goods Part 2
Goods found on public or unleased land Division 2.4
Section 17
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(3) A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person stops being an authorised officer; and
(b) the person does not return the person’s identity card to the
director-general who gave the identity card to the person as soon
as practicable, but no later than 7 days after the day the person
stops being an authorised officer.
Maximum penalty: 1 penalty unit.
(4) An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
17 Retention areas
(1) The Minister may, in writing, declare that an area of land is a retention
area for this division.
(2) A declaration is a notifiable instrument.
(3) Goods that are on an area of land when the land is declared to be a
retention area are, for this division, taken to have been placed in the
retention area under section 14 (1) (a) (i).
Part 3 Disposal of uncollected goods
Division 3.1 Mode of disposition
Section 18
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Part 3 Disposal of uncollected goods
Division 3.1 Mode of disposition
18 Disposal generally
A possessor may dispose of uncollected goods in accordance with this
part.
19 References to time
In relation to the disposal of goods under this part—
(a) a reference to any time is a reference to any time after the goods
became uncollected goods; and
(b) a reference to a period of time is a reference to the period
commencing at the time at which the goods became uncollected
goods.
20 Perishable goods
Perishable goods may be disposed of by sale, appropriation or
destruction at any time.
21 Personal effects
(1) Personal effects (other than a personal document) may be disposed of
by public auction after 3 months.
(2) A personal document may be disposed of—
(a) by returning the document to the authority that issued it; or
(b) if it is not practicable to return the document to the authority that
issued it—in any other lawful way that the possessor thinks
appropriate.
Disposal of uncollected goods Part 3
Mode of disposition Division 3.1
Section 22
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(3) A personal document must not be disposed of in a way that results in
personal information about the owner of the document becoming
publicly available.
(4) In this section:
personal document means any of the following:
(a) a birth certificate, passport or other identity document;
(b) a bank book or other financial statement or document;
(c) a photograph or other personal memorabilia;
(d) a licence or other document conferring an authority, right or
qualification;
(e) a document prescribed by regulation.
22 Goods of no value
Goods of no value may be disposed of by sale, appropriation or
destruction—
(a) for a vehicle that is abandoned (other than a mobile home
abandoned in a residential park)—immediately; or
(b) in any other case—after 7 days.
23 Goods of low value
Goods of low value may be disposed of by sale, appropriation or
destruction—
(a) for a vehicle that is abandoned (other than a mobile home
abandoned in a residential park)—immediately; or
(b) in any other case—after 1 month.
Part 3 Disposal of uncollected goods
Division 3.1 Mode of disposition
Section 24
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24 Goods of significant value
Goods of significant value may be disposed of by public auction—
(a) for a vehicle that is abandoned (other than a mobile home
abandoned in a residential park)—after 14 days; or
(b) in any other case—after 3 months.
24A Manufactured homes and mobile homes abandoned in
residential parks
(1) This section applies if the ACAT—
(a) has declared that a manufactured home or mobile home in a
residential park is abandoned under the Residential Tenancies
Act 1997, section 83 (1) (k) (i); and
(b) has not made an order under that Act, section 83 (1) (k) (ii).
Note Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, s 83 (1) (k) (ii) the ACAT may
order that an abandoned manufactured home or mobile home in a
residential park that is not fit for human habitation may be disposed of
other than by sale.
(2) The manufactured home or mobile home may be disposed of by
public auction after 14 days from the date of the ACAT order.
(3) In this section:
manufactured home—see the Residential Tenancies Act 1997,
dictionary.
residential park—see the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, dictionary.
Disposal of uncollected goods Part 3
Sale of goods Division 3.2
Section 25
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Division 3.2 Sale of goods
25 Public auctions
(1) If uncollected goods are to be disposed of by public auction, the
possessor must, at least 7 days before the auction, give public notice
of—
(a) the time and place of the auction; and
(b) a general description of the goods to be sold.
Note Public notice means notice on an ACT government website or in a daily
newspaper circulating in the ACT (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
(2) Any goods passed in at the auction may be disposed of or destroyed
in such manner as the possessor sees fit.
Division 3.3 Claims by owners
26 Claim by owner before disposal
(1) Where, at any time before the disposal of uncollected goods, a person
satisfies the possessor that the person is the owner of goods, the
possessor may give the goods to that person.
(2) The possessor may, before handing over goods under subsection (1),
require the owner to pay—
(a) the reasonable costs incurred by the possessor in complying with
this Act; and
(b) the reasonable costs incurred by the possessor in storing and
maintaining the goods prior to collection; and
(c) the amount of any lien under the Mercantile Law Act 1962 the
possessor has over the goods; and
(d) the amount of any unpaid rent the owner owes to the possessor.
Part 3 Disposal of uncollected goods
Division 3.3 Claims by owners
Section 27
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27 Review of possessor’s costs
The owner of uncollected goods may, at any time before the goods
are disposed of under this part, apply to the Magistrates Court for a
review of any costs that the possessor requires the owner to pay under
section 26 (2) and the court may make an order—
(a) that the goods not be disposed of until the application has been
determined; or
(b) disallowing the possessor’s costs in whole or in part.
Goods found on Territory premises or property Part 4
Section 27A
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Part 4 Goods found on Territory
premises or property
27A Application of pt 4
This part does not apply to premises in respect of which the housing
commissioner is the lessor under a residential tenancy agreement
within the meaning of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 to which
that Act applies.
28 Goods lost or abandoned on Territory controlled
premises etc
Where goods that a reasonable person would believe have been lost
or abandoned are found on premises, or in an aircraft, vessel, vehicle,
container or receptacle under the control of the Territory, the person
who found the goods must place them in the possession—
(a) of a public employee who appears to be in charge of the place
where the goods were found; or
(b) of a police officer.
29 Disposal of goods found on Territory controlled premises
(1) Where goods have been placed in the possession of a public employee
under section 28 (a), the Territory may—
(a) in the case of perishable goods—dispose of them at any time by
appropriation or destruction; or
(b) in the case of any other goods—dispose of them by sale at any
time after a period of 3 months commencing on the day on which
they were placed in the possession of that employee.
(2) Goods must not be sold under subsection (1) (b) if it would be
impracticable or undesirable in the public interest to do so.
Part 5 Miscellaneous
Section 30
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Part 5 Miscellaneous
30 Proceeds of sale
(1) The possessor may retain from the proceeds of the sale of any goods
under part 3—
(a) the reasonable costs incurred by the possessor in complying with
this Act; and
(b) the reasonable costs incurred by the possessor in storing and
maintaining the goods prior to sale; and
(c) the amount secured by any lien under the Mercantile Law
Act 1962 that the possessor has over the goods; and
(d) the amount of any unpaid rent the owner owes to the possessor.
(2) Any balance of the proceeds remaining after the possessor has
retained an amount under subsection (1) is payable to the Territory
who must pay the money into a trust bank account.
(3) The Territory may pay into the territory banking account from the
proceeds of the sale of any goods under section 29 (1) (b) an amount
equal to the reasonable costs incurred by the Territory in—
(a) storing and maintaining the goods prior to sale; and
(b) selling the goods.
(4) The balance of the proceeds remaining after the Territory has retained
an amount under subsection (3) must be paid into a trust bank
account.
(5) Interest received from the investment of any money paid into a trust
bank account under subsection (2) or (4) must be used—
(a) to meet any costs of administering money paid into the account
under subsection (2) or (4); or
(b) for any other prescribed purpose.
Miscellaneous Part 5
Section 31
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(6) Any money paid into a trust bank account under subsection (2) or (4)
shall, on the expiry of the period of 3 years after the date on which
the money was so paid, be deemed to be interest for subsection (5).
31 Payments by Territory
(1) Where the Minister is satisfied that prior to the sale of any goods
under part 3 or section 29 (1) (b), a person had an interest in those
goods, the Minister may pay to that person the whole or any part of
the balance paid to the Minister in respect of the sale of those goods
under section 30 (2) or (4).
(2) The Minister may only make such a payment if the person makes a
claim for payment before the period referred to in section 30 (6)
expires.
(3) The Minister may make a payment referred to in subsection (2) even
if the period referred to in section 30 (6) has expired before the claim
is decided.
32 Protection of possessors
(1) No action shall lie against a possessor by reason of the taking or
giving of possession, or the sale, appropriation or destruction, of
goods under this Act.
(2) A possessor acting under this Act is not liable for any reasonable
damage caused by the removal or retention of goods.
33 Rights not to be affected
Nothing in this Act abrogates, limits or in any manner affects—
(a) any lien, power of sale or other right (whether arising under
contract or by operation of law) that a possessor may have apart
from this Act with respect to any goods possessed by them; or
(b) the enforcement of such a lien or the exercise of such a power
or right.
Part 5 Miscellaneous
Section 34
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34 Evidence
In proceedings for an offence against this Act, a certificate signed by
the director-general stating that land specified in the certificate is
unleased land is evidence of that matter.
35 Title
A person who acquires goods that are sold or disposed of under this
Act acquires title to the goods free of any mortgage, lien or charge in
favour of another person affecting the goods of which the person who
acquires the goods was unaware at the time of the acquisition.
36 Mode of disposition
Nothing in this Act shall be taken as authorising a mode of disposition
of goods that would otherwise be contrary to another law of the
Territory.
37 Request provisions—substantial compliance
Unless the contrary intention appears, strict compliance with the
provisions relating to the making of an instrument under this Act is
not necessary and substantial compliance, or such compliance as the
circumstances of a particular case allow, is sufficient.
38 Regulation-making power
The Executive may make regulations for this Act.
Dictionary
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Dictionary
(see s 2)
Note 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to
this Act.
Note 2 For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1 defines the following terms:
• ACT
• Commonwealth
• director-general (see s 163)
• State
• the Territory.
authorised officer means an authorised officer under section 16.
carriageway, in relation to a public street, includes the gutter (if any)
of the public street.
goods means moveable personal property, including animals and
food.
goods of low value means uncollected goods having a net value of
more than $20 but less than $500.
goods of no value means uncollected goods having a net value of $20
or less.
goods of significant value means uncollected goods having a net
value of $500 or more.
light rail vehicle—see the Road Transport (General) Act 1999,
dictionary.
mobile home—see the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, dictionary.
net value, in relation to goods, means the market value of the goods
less the reasonable costs of selling the goods including removal,
storage, preservation, transportation and advertising costs.
Dictionary
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off-street parking area means an area of land available for use by the
public, whether with or without the payment of money, for the
parking of motor vehicles, and includes—
(a) the entrances to, the exits from and the passageways in such an
area; and
(b) the area of land that is situated between the entrances to and the
exits from such an area and a public street and that is used for
access to the area.
operator, of a pool facility––see the Public Pools Act 2015, section 8.
owner means the owner of goods in the possession of another person.
perishable goods means—
(a) animals; or
(b) perishable foodstuffs; or
(c) articles that are, or could become, noxious or a danger to public
health.
pool facility––see the Public Pools Act 2015, section 10.
possessor means a person in possession of goods belonging to another
person.
public place means—
(a) an off-street parking area; or
(b) a loading area; or
(c) a wharf, pier or jetty; or
(d) the Lake Burley Griffin foreshores; or
(e) any part of a park, reserve, recreational or sporting ground,
racecourse, or any other open place, to which the public has
access whether with or without payment for admission, other
than a street, road or lane that is prepared with cement or
concrete or is sealed with bitumen or other sealing substance.
Dictionary
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public street means a street, road, lane or footpath (including a street,
road, lane or footpath on or forming part of a bridge) that is open to
or used by the public, but does not include—
(a) an entrance-driveway leading to a parcel of land; or
(b) any part of a public place.
retention area means an area declared under section 17 to be a
retention area for division 2.4.
trust bank account means a trust bank account opened by the
Minister or the director-general and maintained under the Financial
Management Act 1996, section 51.
uncollected goods—see section 5.
value means the price goods would attract in the market where no
special or extraordinary effort would be expended in selling them,
irrespective of a particular contract.
vehicle—
(a) means any means of conveyance which runs on wheels,
including a light rail vehicle; but
(b) does not include—
(i) a wheelchair; or
(ii) a vehicle (other than a light rail vehicle) that is used on a
railway.
Endnotes
1 About the endnotes
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Endnotes
1 About the endnotes
Amending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the
amendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law
but are set out in the endnotes.
Not all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are
annotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be
obtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.
Uncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details
of these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are
underlined in the legislation history and amendment history.
If all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered
provisions gives details of previous and current numbering.
The endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.
2 Abbreviation key
A = Act NI = Notifiable instrument
AF = Approved form o = order
am = amended om = omitted/repealed
amdt = amendment ord = ordinance
AR = Assembly resolution orig = original
ch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph
CN = Commencement notice pres = present
def = definition prev = previous
DI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously
dict = dictionary pt = part
disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule
Assembly reloc = relocated
div = division renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No
Gaz = gazette RI = reissue
hdg = heading s = section/subsection
IA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule
ins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision
LA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law
LR = legislation register sub = substituted
LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced
mod = modified/modification or to be expired
Endnotes
Legislation history 3
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3 Legislation history
Uncollected Goods Act 1996 A1996-86
notified 20 December 1996 (Gaz 1996 No S328)
s 1, s 2 commenced 20 December 1996 (s 2 (1))
remainder commended 19 March 1997 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1997 No S71)
as amended by
Residential Tenancies (Consequential Provisions) Act 1998 A1998-4
sch
notified 25 May 1998 (Gaz 1998 No S150)
sch commenced 25 May 1998 (s 2)
Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1999 A1999-66 sch 3
notified 10 November 1999 (Gaz 1999 No 45)
sch 3 commenced 10 November 1999 (s 2)
Road Transport Legislation Amendment Act 1999 A1999-79 sch 3
notified 23 December 1999 (Gaz 1999 No S65)
sch 3 commenced 1 March 2000 (s 2 and see Gaz 2000 No S5)
Legislation (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001 A2001-44 pt 399
notified 26 July 2001 (Gaz 2001 No 30)
s 1, s 2 commenced 26 July 2001 (IA s 10B)
pt 399 commenced 12 September 2001 (s 2 and see Gaz 2001
No S65)
Stock Act 2005 A2005-19 sch 1 pt 1.3
notified LR 13 April 2005
s 1, s 2 commenced 13 April 2005 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.3 commenced 26 August 2005 (s 2 and CN2005-13)
Criminal Code Harmonisation Act 2005 A2005-54 sch 1 pt 1.36
notified LR 27 October 2005
s 1, s 2 commenced 27 October 2005 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.36 commenced 24 November 2005 (s 2)
Statute Law Amendment Act 2007 A2007-3 sch 3 pt 3.110
notified LR 22 March 2007
s 1, s 2 taken to have commenced 1 July 2006 (LA s 75 (2))
sch 3 pt 3.110 commenced 12 April 2007 (s 2 (1))
Endnotes
3 Legislation history
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Housing Assistance Act 2007 A2007-8 sch 1 pt 1.10
notified LR 10 May 2007
s 1, s 2 commenced 10 May 2007 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.10 commenced 10 November 2007 (s 2 and LA s 79)
Statute Law Amendment Act 2009 A2009-20 sch 3 pt 3.73
notified LR 1 September 2009
s 1, s 2 commenced 1 September 2009 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.73 commenced 22 September 2009 (s 2)
Administrative (One ACT Public Service Miscellaneous Amendments)
Act 2011 A2011-22 sch 1 pt 1.160
notified LR 30 June 2011
s 1, s 2 commenced 30 June 2011 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.160 commenced 1 July 2011 (s 2 (1))
Public Unleased Land Act 2013 A2013-3 sch 2 pt 2.12
notified LR 21 February 2013
s 1, s 2 commenced 21 February 2013 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 2 pt 2.12 commenced 1 July 2013 (s 2 and CN2013-9)
Public Pools Act 2015 A2015-7 sch 2 pt 2.2
notified LR 31 March 2015
s 1, s 2 commenced 31 March 2015 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 2 pt 2.2 commenced 1 July 2015 (s 2 and CN2015-8)
Red Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Act 2015 A2015-33
sch 1 pt 1.67
notified LR 30 September 2015
s 1, s 2 commenced 30 September 2015 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.67 commenced 14 October 2015 (s 2)
Residential Tenancies Legislation Amendment Act 2016 A2016-50
pt 3
notified LR 24 August 2016
s 1, s 2 commenced 24 August 2016 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 3 commenced 24 August 2017 (s 2 (3))
Endnotes
Legislation history 3
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Road Transport Reform (Light Rail) Legislation Amendment Act 2017
A2017-21 sch 1 pt 1.16
notified LR 8 August 2017
s 1, s 2 commenced 8 August 2017 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.16 commenced 15 August 2017 (s 2)
Litter Legislation Amendment Act 2019 A2019-39 pt 5
notified LR 31 October 2019
s 1, s 2 commenced 31 October 2019 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 5 commenced 1 November 2019 (s 2 (1))
Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020 (No 2) A2020-48 sch 1
pt 1.2
notified LR 3 September 2020
s 1, s 2 commenced 3 September 2020 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.2 commenced 3 March 2021 (s 2 (1) and LA s 79)
Statute Law Amendment Act 2025 A2025-29 sch 3 pt 3.94, sch 4
pt 4.180
notified LR 6 November 2025
s 1, s 2 commenced 6 November 2025 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.94, sch 4 pt 4.180 commenced 26 November 2025 (s 2 (3),
(9))
Endnotes
4 Amendment history
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4 Amendment history
Name of Act
s 1 sub A2007-3 amdt 3.538
Dictionary
s 2 om A2001-44 amdt 1.4145
ins A2005-54 amdt 1.242
sub A2007-3 amdt 3.539
Notes
s 2A ins A2005-54 amdt 1.242
sub A2007-3 amdt 3.539
Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc
s 2B ins A2007-3 amdt 3.539
Application of Act
s 3 am A2005-19 amdt 1.3; A2007-3 amdt 3.540
Definitions for Act
s 4 defs reloc to dict A2007-3 amdt 3.543
om A2007-3 amdt 3.544
Meaning of uncollected goods
div 2.1 hdg (prev pt 2 div 1 hdg) renum R2 LA
Goods deemed uncollected
s 5 am A2015-7 amdt 2.18; A2016-50 s 32, s 33; A2019-39 s 49
Application of div 2.2
s 6 am A2016-50 s 34
Request to collect goods
s 7 am A2009-20 amdt 3.212; A2015-33 amdt 1.232; A2025-29
amdt 3.346
Goods not collected when requested
div 2.2hdg (prev pt 2 div 2 hdg) renum R2 LA
Goods found at public baths
div 2.3 hdg (prev pt 2 div 3 hdg) renum R2 LA
sub A2015-7 amdt 2.19
Goods lost or abandoned at pool facilities
s 9 sub A2015-7 amdt 2.20
Lost property register
s 10 am A2015-7 amdt 2.21
Claims for lost property
s 11 sub A2015-7 amdt 2.22
Endnotes
Amendment history 4
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Uncollected goods––pool facilities
s 12 sub A2015-7 amdt 2.23
Goods found on public or unleased land
div 2.4 hdg (prev pt 2 div 4 hdg) renum R2 LA
Application of div 2.4
s 13 am A1998-4 sch; A2007-8 amdt 1.21
Goods lost or abandoned on public or unleased land
s 14 am A1999-79 sch 3; A2013-3 amdt 2.35; A2019-39 s 50;
A2025-29 amdt 3.339; amdt 3.340
Authorised officers
s 16 am A1999-66 sch 3; A2005-54 amdt 1.243
sub A2007-3 amdt 3.545
(2)-(4) exp 12 April 2008 (s 16 (4) (LA s 88 declaration
applies))
am A2011-22 amdt 1.448
Identity cards
s 16A ins A2005-54 amdt 1.244
(5)-(7) exp 24 November 2005 (s 16A (7))
am A2011-22 amdt 1.448
Retention areas
s 17 sub A2001-44 amdt 1.4146
am A2025-29 amdt 4.182
Personal effects
s 21 sub A2016-50 s 35
Mode of disposition
div 3.1 hdg (prev pt 3 div 1 hdg) renum R2 LA
Goods of no value
s 22 sub A2019-39 s 51
am A2020-48 amdt 1.12
Goods of low value
s 23 sub A2019-39 s 51
am A2020-48 amdt 1.13
Goods of significant value
s 24 sub A2019-39 s 51
am A2020-48 amdt 1.14
Manufactured homes and mobile homes abandoned in residential parks
s 24A ins A2020-48 amdt 1.15
am A2025-29 amdts 3.341-3.343; am R18 LA
Sale of goods
div 3.2 hdg (prev pt 3 div 2 hdg) renum R2 LA
Endnotes
4 Amendment history
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Public auctions
s 25 am A2009-20 amdt 3.212; A2015-33 amdt 1.233
Claims by owners
div 3.3 hdg (prev pt 3 div 3 hdg) renum R2 LA
Claim by owner before disposal
s 26 am A2025-29 amdt 3.344
Application of pt 4
s 27A ins A1998-4 sch
am A2007-8 amdt 1.21
Goods lost or abandoned on Territory controlled premises etc
s 28 am A2025-29 amdt 3.346
Disposal of goods found on Territory controlled premises
s 29 am A2025-29 amdt 3.346
Proceeds of sale
s 30 am A2025-29 amdt 3.346
Rights not to be affected
s 33 am A2025-29 amdt 3.345
Evidence
s 34 am A2011-22 amdt 1.448
Regulation-making power
s 38 am A2001-44 amdt 1.4147; A2025-29 amdt 4.183
Dictionary
dict ins A2007-3 amdt 3.546, A2009-20 amdt 3.213
am A2011-22 amdt 1.449; A2015-33 amdt 1.234
def authorised officer reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
def carriageway reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
def goods reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
def goods of low value reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
def goods of no value reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
def goods of significant value reloc from s 4 A2007-3
amdt 3.543
def leased public baths sub A2007-3 amdt 3.541
reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
om A2015-7 amdt 2.24
def light rail vehicle ins A2017-21 amdt1.37
def manager sub A2007-3 amdt 3.541
reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
om A2015-7 amdt 2.24
def mobile home ins A2020-48 amdt 1.16
def net value reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
def off-street parking area reloc from s 4 A2007-3
amdt 3.543
Endnotes
Amendment history 4
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def operator ins A2015-7 amdt 2.25
def owner reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
def perishable goods reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
def personal effects reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
om A2016-50 s 35
def pool facility ins A2015-7 amdt 2.25
def possessor reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
def public baths sub A2007-3 amdt 3.542
reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
om A2015-7 amdt 2.26
def public place reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
def public street reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
def retention area reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
def trust bank account reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
am A2011-22 amdt 1.450
def uncollected goods reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
def value reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
def vehicle reloc from s 4 A2007-3 amdt 3.543
sub A2017-21 amdt 1.38