The National Memorials Ordinance 1928, made under the Seat of Government (Administration) Act 1910, provides for the location and character of national memorials, and the naming of divisions of, and public places in, the Australian Capital Territory.

The Ordinance applies only to National Land in the Territory, that is, land currently being used by the Commonwealth or that is intended to be used by or on behalf of the Commonwealth. National Land is defined and established in accordance with section 27 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988.

The Ordinance establishes the Canberra National Memorials Committee.

The Committee consists of:

• the Prime Minister as Chair of the Committee
• the Minister responsible for the Ordinance (currently the Minister for Minister for Regional Services, Local Communities and Territories)
• the Leader of the Government in the Senate
• the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
• the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives
• the Secretary of the Department (currently Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government) an officer appointed by the Minister (currently the Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs)
• two other members to be appointed by the Governor-General from among residents in the ACT (these positions are not currently filled)