About the Commonwealth Property Management Framework

Audience

1. The Commonwealth Property Management Framework is mandatory for officials and accountable authorities of non-corporate Commonwealth entities (NCEs). Corporate Commonwealth entities (CCEs) may be subject to legislative and policy aspects of the Commonwealth Property Management Framework, such as the Two Stage Capital Works Approval Process, the Lands Acquisition Act 1989 and Public Works Committee Act 1969, and are responsible for ensuring compliance.

Introduction

Commonwealth Property Management Framework

2. The purpose of the Commonwealth Property Management Framework is to facilitate informed decisions by non-corporate Commonwealth entities (NCEs) and establish a foundation for achieving value for money, demonstrated through:
   1. effective planning;
   2. ensuring the efficient use of property wherever possible, including through a cooperative, whole of government approach to property management outcomes;
   3. accountable and transparent decision-making;
   4. appropriate engagement with risk; and
   5. compliance with relevant legislation and Commonwealth policies, including with respect to the environment, heritage and use of public resources.
3. The Commonwealth Property Management Framework applies to property owned or leased by the Commonwealth in Australia, including external territories, and for property located overseas. 
4. The Commonwealth’s property (owned or leased) located overseas – except for certain national security-related facilities – is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
5. Requirements that must be complied with in respect of Commonwealth Property Management Framework are denoted by the term ‘must’. The term ‘should’ indicates good practice.
6. The Commonwealth Property Management Framework also includes links to web‑based guidance, developed by the Department of Finance to assist NCEs manage their property needs.

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013

7. The Commonwealth Property Management Framework supports the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).
8. Under the PGPA Act, accountable authorities and officials have a duty to promote the proper use and management of public resources. In relation to the Commonwealth Property Management Framework, proper use means efficient, effective, economical and ethical management of owned and leased Commonwealth property.
9. The Commonwealth Property Management Framework relates to real property. It complements Division 1 of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs), such that officials of NCEs must comply with and demonstrate value for money to ensure the best outcome from property decisions. For clarity, the Commonwealth Property Management Framework operates in respect of property-related transactions that are otherwise exempt from Division 2 of the CPRs (due to the use of Exemption 1 in Appendix A of the CPRs).  
10. In accordance with Section 4 of the CPRs, the Property Services Coordinated Procurement Arrangements are mandatory for all NCEs.
11. The Commonwealth Risk Management Policy requires accountable authorities and officials to establish and maintain appropriate systems and internal controls for the oversight and management of risk. This is also applicable to property management.

Other Property Policy Considerations

12. There are other policies of the Australian Government that impact and guide decision-making in the property context.
13. The Government has committed to reducing the Australian Public Service’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero by 2030. Policy being developed to support meeting this commitment will include reducing emissions from leased and owned properties, such as emissions generated by electricity and gas use. Further detail on this policy will be included as it is released. The section “Emissions Reduction” includes interim considerations in the property context, which will be updated as the policy is developed and released.

GovTEAMS Property Community

14. There is a number of GovTEAMs Property communities available to those entities who are part of the Property Services Coordinated Procurement (PSCP) Arrangements. 
    1. The “Whole of Australian Government Strategic Leasing” community is a central repository where entities can access guidance and resource documents, and engage in conversations on a range of property matters.
    2. There are three “WoAG Property” communities for entities that operate under each of the Property Service Providers.
    3. There is an “APS Net Zero 2030” community for entities to support each other in achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
15. To become a member of the GovTEAMs Property Community or for more information, please contact Finance.