Responsibility

The Commonwealth of Australia is responsible for the planning, design, development and land management of the Parliamentary Zone. The National Capital Plan, which came into effect in 1990, is the major statutory document that describes the Commonwealth’s intentions for the development of the National Capital.

Whilst there are many stakeholders, key responsibility for the Parliamentary Zone is invested in:

  • the National Capital Authority under the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988
  • the Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government under the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988, several Commonwealth Ordinances, and the Parliament Act 1974
  • the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia under the Parliament Act 1974
  • the Presiding Officers under the Parliamentary Precincts Act 1988
  • the Australian Heritage Commission under the Australian Heritage Commission Act 1975

The National Capital Authority

The National Capital Authority is the statutory arm of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia responsible for the custody and development of those areas of Canberra that are of national significance.

In the Parliamentary Zone, the National Capital Authority is responsible for works approvals for all building and landscape projects, and for planning and management of public land, including services and public events.

The character of the Parliamentary Zone is also the responsibility of the Authority and it is required to undertake projects for the enhancement and maintenance of public places. These projects include commemorative works, parks, gardens, tree plantings, fountains, paths, car parks, jetties, signage and lighting.

The Authority fosters an awareness of Canberra as the National Capital and facilitates and manages significant events and ceremonies in the Parliamentary Zone.

The National Capital Authority is committed to ensuring that the National Capital is a source of pride for all Australians – a place that embodies our heritage, aspirations, unity and values.

The Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government

The Minister is responsible for approving amendments to the National Capital Plan and for laying works proposals for the Parliamentary Zone before both Houses of Parliament.

The Minister has a major role to ensure that Canberra remains a National Capital that provides a common link to all Australians.

The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia

The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia takes a profound interest in the development and enhancement of the National Capital. Clear responsibilities are evident in:

  • the Parliament Act 1974 which requires that works undertaken in the Parliamentary Zone must have the approval of both Houses of Parliament
  • the appointment of a Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories to inquire into (amongst other things) matters associated with works in the Parliamentary Zone
  • the process for amendment to the National Capital Plan whereby approved amendments may be disallowed by either House of Parliament.

The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia will have the determining role in guaranteeing that the Parliamentary Zone is revitalised in accordance with its national significance.

The Presiding Officers

The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives are the Presiding Officers of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia and have responsibility for the control and management of the land and buildings associated with Parliament House.

The Presiding Officers have a particular interest in making Parliament House and its setting real symbols of democratic government at work for all Australians.

The Australian Heritage Commission

The Australian Heritage Commission encourages the public to take an interest in the natural and cultural environments that are of special value and significance to our nation. The Commission seeks to engender a greater understanding of heritage issues and advises on the protection of the National Estate. The Commission is concerned that no actions are taken lightly that would have an adverse effect on the estate.

The Parliament House Vista – with the Parliamentary Zone and Old Parliament House at its centre - is a place which is entered on the Register of the National Estate. A number of individual buildings and sites in the Zone also appear on the Register of the National Estate Database including the National Rose Garden, the National Library of Australia, the King George V Memorial, the Sculpture Garden and the John Gorton Building.

The Commission will be the advocate for heritage values in the place of the people making sure that this important cultural environment remains relevant for future generations.

The National Capital Plan

The object of the National Capital Plan is to ensure that Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory are planned and developed in accordance with their national significance. As such, the Plan articulates and underpins the Commonwealth’s intentions for the National Capital.

Within the National Capital Plan there are principles, policies and detailed conditions for planning, design and development in the Parliamentary Zone. In particular, the Plan currently stipulates that development must be guided by the 1986 Parliamentary Zone Development Plan.

Procedures for amending the National Capital Plan are set out in sections 14 to 24 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988. In essence, amendment to the National Capital Plan requires public consultation, liaison with the Australian Capital Territory planning authority, submission to the Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government for approval, and Parliamentary scrutiny.
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