Commonwealth Property Management Framework legislation and policy

The Commonwealth Property Management Framework (CPMF) does not operate in isolation. Officials should be mindful of the broader legislative and policy environment within which the CPMF sits, including other relevant Australian Government legislation and policy obligations – such as:

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) – under the PGPA Act, accountable authorities and officials have a duty to promote the proper use and management of public resources. Property decisions made under the CPMF should support the efficient, effective, economical and ethical management of Commonwealth property throughout its lifecycle.
Commonwealth Procurement Rules – when undertaking procurement activities, officials must comply with the CPRs and demonstrate value for money. Officials should also be aware of other relevant procurement and policy considerations, including the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP), support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and any other applicable procurement-connected policies. Depending on the procurement, both Division 1 and Division 2 of the CPRs may apply, subject to relevant exemptions.
Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) – sets out the Australian Government's requirements for protecting people, information and assets. The PSPF informs property, accommodation and fit-out decisions relating to physical security, access control, security zoning, secure storage, and the design and operation of workplaces that support an entity's security obligations.
Commonwealth Risk Management Policy – requires officials to establish and maintain risk oversight systems and controls, including for property management.

Related property management legislation and instruments include:

Legislation:

Legislative instruments:

Related policies

You should consider these policies alongside the CPMF when making property management decisions.

Australian Public Service Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy

The Net Zero in Government Operations (NZGO) Strategy includes a range of requirements relating to energy use, emissions reduction and sustainability in government operations. These requirements are mandatory for non-corporate Commonwealth entities (NCEs), although some commitments may also apply to other participating entities which have voluntarily opted into the 2030 target. Officials should refer to the NZGO Strategy to confirm the requirements applicable to their entity.

The NZGO Strategy also requires NCEs to procure renewable electricity and meet minimum energy performance standards for eligible properties. These requirements should be considered alongside accommodation planning, leasing and property management activities.

Finance has updated the Green Lease Schedules to support implementation of the NZGO Strategy. NCEs are required to use a Green Lease Schedule for qualifying office leases of 1,000 square metres or more. Corporate Commonwealth entities (CCEs) and Commonwealth companies are encouraged to adopt Green Lease Schedules where appropriate. The documents are available at Green Lease Schedules.

Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy

The Environmentally Sustainable Procurement (ESP) Policy mandates that NCEs and prescribed CCEs to incorporate climate, environment and circularity principles into in-scope procurements:

Construction services (as defined in the CPRs) valued at $7.5 million or more. Construction services include:
- construction of new buildings and infrastructure
- refurbishments
- fit-outs of owned or leased buildings
- demolitions
- landscaping
- earthworks.

The definition of construction services is used to determine whether the ESP Policy applies to a procurement. It is separate from the definition of a public work under the Public Works Committee Act 1969 (PWC Act), although a project may be subject to both frameworks. Entities should assess ESP Policy and PWC requirements independently.

Products procurements valued at $1 million or more:
- furniture, fittings and equipment
- information and communication technology goods
- textiles

The policy complements the CPMF, which requires NCEs to consider environmental impacts of property decisions, by providing specific requirements for qualifying procurements (e.g. construction and fit-out).

Commonwealth Property Disposal Policy

The Commonwealth Property Disposal Policy (CPDP) supports the efficient and effective management and disposal of Australian Government real property and includes disposal obligations under the LAA. Consistent with the principles of the CPMF, entities should not retain real property that is surplus to operational requirements without a clear business need. The CPDP provides the framework for assessing, managing and disposing of surplus Commonwealth property. The CPDP should be read in conjunction with Resource Management Guide 501: Lands Acquisition Framework and RMG-500 and the PGPA Act.

Two Stage Capital Works Approval Process

The Two Stage Capital Works Approval Process ensures that major capital works projects are well scoped, costed and justified before full funding is committed. It is distinct from, but complements the requirements of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (PWC) in relation to capital works proposals.

For more information on the Two Stage Capital Works policy, visit the Budget Process Operational Rules.

Guidance on the Two Stage Capital Works Approval Process can be found in the Other Approval Processes page of RMG-500.