This page outlines key guidance, requirements and resources relating to Australian Government owned property. It helps officials understand their responsibilities for managing owned property, navigate relevant policy and governance requirements, and make informed decisions about acquiring, managing and disposing of property.
Commonwealth property should only be held where ownership:
- demonstrably contributes to government service delivery outcomes
- represents value for money.
Informed decision-making and value for money
Effective property planning and management requires consideration of the full costs associated with acquiring, operating, maintaining and disposing of property assets. Entities should ensure property decisions are supported by appropriate budgeting and funding arrangements and consider whole-of-life cost (WoLC) when assessing options.
See Informed decision-making and value for money for guidance on WoLC.
Public works and capital works approvals
Property projects may be subject to additional approval, funding and parliamentary scrutiny requirements, depending on their scope, value and nature. Officials should consider these requirements early in the planning process.
See Public works and capitals works approvals. including the:
- the Two-Stage Capital Works Approval Process
- the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works.
Property Services Coordinated Procurement Arrangements
The Property Services Coordinated Procurement Arrangements (PSCP Arrangements) support entities in managing Australian Government owned property by providing access to specialist property services through established procurement arrangements. The Strategic Property Adviser and Property Service Providers can help entities throughout the property lifecycle.
See PSCP Arrangements for information on how the PSCP Arrangements can support property management including through:
- facilities management, such as building operations, maintenance and workplace services
- supplementary services, including project support, advisory services and specialist expertise
- additional services, which may be tailored to specific entity needs, such as fit-out coordination or technical assessments.
Disposal
Where property is no longer required, entities should dispose of surplus property in line with the Commonwealth Property Disposal Policy. See Disposal for further information.
Reporting
Entities are required to meet a range of reporting obligations. See Reporting for the reporting requirements under the Lands Acquisition Act 1989, AusTender reporting requirements, guidance on updating the Australian Government Property Register and access to the Property Marketplace.
