Regulation of National Memorials in the Australian Capital Territory

21 February 2022

The Australian Government is updating the laws relating to National Memorials and naming public places on National Land in the Australian Capital Territory, to ensure the laws are modern and fit for purpose.

We are now seeking public comment on the draft of the Australian Capital Territory (National Memorials, Public Places and Territory Divisions) Ordinance 2022.

This Ordinance modernises the laws regulating the processes for approving National Memorials and naming public places and suburbs on National Land in the ACT. The Ordinance retains the role of the National Memorials Committee and updates the naming criteria for place names.

Since Canberra was established as the national capital, the National Memorials Ordinance 1928 has been used as the basis for decisions about Memorials and naming public places and divisions on National Land in the ACT.

The National Memorials Ordinance 1928 will expire and cease to have effect from 1 April 2022.

The National Capital Authority provides operational functions under the Ordinance, including secretariat support to the National Memorials Committee. Further information about National Memorials is available at: https://www.nca.gov.au/about-us/who-we-are/canberra-national-memorials-committee.

The draft Ordinance is now available on the Department’s website for comment at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/NationalMemorials.

Comments can be made until 28 February 2022. All comments received will be published on the Department’s website, unless they are provided expressly in confidence or they contain information that is not suitable for publication. For further information or for any enquiries, please contact SunsettingACT@infrastructure.gov.au.