Australian Grands Prix Amendment Act 2025 (Vic)
Australian Grands Prix Amendment Act 2025
No. 39 of 2025
TABLE OF PROVISIONS
Section Page
Part 1—Preliminary
1Purpose
2Commencement
3Principal Act
Part 2—Amendments relating to public access areas
4Definitions
5Powers
6New sections 27A to 27G inserted
7Corporation to manage declared area during race period
8Corporation may remove vehicles left unattended
9Road Safety Act 1986 not to apply
10Noise and vehicle emissions
11Prohibition of unauthorised advertising
12Regulations
Part 3—Amendments relating to access arrangements
13Corporation to manage declared area during race period
14New section 30A inserted
Part 4—General amendments
15Definitions
16Vacancies, resignations, removal from office
17Acting appointments
18New section 12A inserted
19Section 14 substituted
20Functions
21Powers
22Declared area and race period
23Designated access areas
24Corporation may control and charge for filming, etc.
25Corporation to make payment to committee of management
25ADivision 1 of Part 3 heading inserted
25BNew Division 2 of Part 3 inserted
26New Part 3B inserted
27Corporation's property in grand prix insignia
28Regulations
Part 5—Repeal of this Act
29Repeal of this Act
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Endnotes
1 General information
Australian Grands Prix Amendment Act 2025
No. 39 of 2025
[Assented to 21 October 2025]
The Parliament of Victoria enacts:
PART 1—PRELIMINARY
1Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to amend the Australian Grands Prix Act 1994—
(a)to extend the maximum duration of the race period; and
(b)to update the definition of grand prix insignia; and
(c)to increase the maximum payment that the Australian Grand Prix Corporation can make to the committee of management under section 41 of that Act; and
(d)to allow the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to host events approved by the Minister which are not motor sport events or Formula One events; and
(e)to provide for the appointment of acting members and an acting chairperson to the Australian Grand Prix Corporation; and
(f)to provide for the declaration of public access areas within the declared area; and
(g)to make other minor and consequential amendments.
2Commencement
This Act comes into operation on the day after the day on which it receives the Royal Assent.
3Principal Act
In this Act, the Australian Grands Prix Act 1994 is called the Principal Act.
PART 2—AMENDMENTS RELATING TO PUBLIC ACCESS AREAS
4Definitions
In section 3(1) of the Principal Act insert the following definitions—
"public access area means an area to which a public access area declaration applies;
public access area declaration means a declaration under section 27A;".
5Powers
In section 21(1) of the Principal Act—
(a)in paragraph (c), for "the declared area in respect of that year" substitute "any part of the declared area in respect of that year that is not a public access area";
(b)in paragraph (d), for "the declared area in respect of that year" substitute "any part of the declared area in respect of that year that is not a public access area".
6New sections 27A to 27G inserted
After section 27 of the Principal Act insert—
"27A Corporation may make public access area declaration
(1)The Corporation, by notice published in the Government Gazette, may declare that an area within the declared area in respect of a year and specified in the declaration is an area to which the public may have access during the race period in respect of that year.
(2)A public access area declaration under subsection (1) must—
(a)specify the area to which the public may have access; and
(b)specify the dates and times during which the public may have access to the area; and
(c)include information about the Corporation's powers under this Act to manage and control the public access area as part of the declared area, including by restricting access or closing public access areas; and
(d)include any prescribed information; and
(e)unless section 27CA applies, be made within one month after a declaration under section 27 of a declared area is made.
(3)As soon as practicable after a public access area declaration is published in the Government Gazette, the Corporation must publish a copy of the declaration on its Internet site.
27BRevocation or variation of public access area declaration
(1)With the Minister's prior approval, the Corporation, by notice published in the Government Gazette, may revoke or vary a public access area declaration.
(2)As soon as practicable after notice of a revocation or variation under subsection (1) is published in the Government Gazette, the Corporation must publish a copy of the notice on its Internet site.
27CConsultation and approval requirements for public access area declaration
(1)The Corporation must consult with the Minister in writing—
(a)before a public access area declaration is made; or
(b)to seek the Minister's approval before a public access area declaration is revoked or varied.
(2)For the purposes of section 27B, the Minister may approve the revocation or variation of a public access area declaration.
(3)For the purposes of subsection (1) or (2), the Minister may request that the Corporation provide reasons for a public access area declaration or a revocation or variation of a public access area declaration.
27CAMinister may direct Corporation to make public access area declaration
(1)If the Corporation does not make a public access area declaration within one month after a declaration under section 27 of a declared area is made, the Minister may—
(a)request that the Corporation provide the reasons no public access area declaration was made; and
(b)direct the Corporation to make a public access area declaration.
(2)Before giving a direction under subsection (1)(b), the Minister must have regard to—
(a)the operational requirements of the Formula One event in respect of which the declared area will be in force; and
(b)safety considerations related to the event.
27DDate on which public access area declaration, revocation or variation takes effect
(1)A public access area declaration takes effect on—
(a)the date the declaration is published in the Government Gazette; or
(b)such later date as is specified in the declaration.
(2)A revocation or variation of a public access area declaration under section 27B takes effect on the date specified in the notice published in the Government Gazette, which must be later than the date of publication of the notice.
27EDescribing land in public access area declarations
Without limiting the use of any other means to describe land, a public access area declaration or the revocation or variation of a public access area declaration may describe land by reference to a plan of survey attached to the declaration or lodged in the Central Plan Office.
27FPublic access area declaration, revocation or variation not invalid due to failure to publish on Internet site
A public access area declaration or a revocation or variation of a public access area declaration under section 27B is not invalid by reason only of a failure of the Corporation to comply with a requirement of section 27A(3) or 27B(2).
27GClosure of public access area
(1)Without limiting any other power of the Corporation under this Act in relation to the declared area in respect of a year, the Corporation may close any public access area, or any part of a public access area, if satisfied it is necessary to do so in an emergency or for public safety by publishing a notice on its Internet site specifying—
(a)the area that has been closed; and
(b)the period for which it is closed.
(2)The Corporation must notify the Minister in writing of the closure of a public access area or any part of a public access area—
(a)before the closure occurs; or
(b)if it is not possible to do so before the closure occurs, as soon as reasonably practicable after the closure and no later than 3 days after the closure.
Note
See section 44(3) and (4) of the Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984 in relation to time expiring on weekends and public holidays.
(3)The Minister may request that the Corporation provide reasons for any closure of any public access area, or any part of a public access area.
(4)A closure under this section must not exceed 3 days duration.".
7Corporation to manage declared area during race period
In section 30(1) of the Principal Act, after "declared area in respect of a year" insert ", including any public access areas,".
8Corporation may remove vehicles left unattended
In section 37(a) of the Principal Act, after "that year" insert "(other than a public access area)".
9Road Safety Act 1986 not to apply
In section 38(b) of the Principal Act, after "that year" insert "(other than a public access area)".
10Noise and vehicle emissions
In section 39 of the Principal Act, after "that year" insert "(other than a public access area)".
11Prohibition of unauthorised advertising
In section 40(4) of the Principal Act, after "regulations" insert "or to any advertising material in a public access area".
12Regulations
(1)In section 51(1) of the Principal Act, after paragraph (cb) insert—
"(cc)prescribing the information to be included in a public access area declaration;".
(2)In section 51(2) of the Principal Act, after paragraph (c) insert—
"(ca)may provide in a specified case or class of cases for the exemption of persons or things or a class of persons or things from any of the provisions of the regulations, whether unconditionally or on specified conditions and either wholly or to such an extent as is specified;".
PART 3—AMENDMENTS RELATING TO ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS
13Corporation to manage declared area during race period
In section 30(3)(a) of the Principal Act, after "committee of management," insert "having regard to section 30A,".
14New section 30A inserted
After section 30 of the Principal Act insert—
"30A Corporation to have regard to certain matters
(1)For the purposes of section 30(3)(a), the Corporation—
(a)must have regard to—
(i)the operational requirements of the Formula One event in respect of which the declared area will be in force; and
(ii)safety considerations related to the event; and
(iii)the access to the declared area required by a person referred to in section 30(3) in order to carry on the person's business in premises in the declared area, whether at full capacity or reduced capacity; and
(b)may have regard to any other matter the Corporation considers relevant.
(2)At least 5 days before the commencement of the race period, the Corporation must provide a person referred to in section 30(3) with written notice of the extent of approval, if any, and any conditions to which the approval is subject including—
(a)if no approval is given, the reasons it was not given; and
(b)if approval is given subject to conditions, the reasons for those conditions.".
PART 4—GENERAL AMENDMENTS
15Definitions
In section 3(1) of the Principal Act—
(a)insert the following definition—
"approved event means an event approved by the Minister under section 42E;";
(b)for the definition of grand prix insignia substitute—
"grand prix insignia means—
(a)a logo or any part of a logo; and
(b)a name or title of an Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix event declared under section 42A; and
(c)other prescribed insignia; and
(d)any combination of things specified in paragraphs (a) to (c);".
16Vacancies, resignations, removal from office
In section 11(1)(b) of the Principal Act, for "his or her" (where twice occurring) substitute "the member's".
17Acting appointments
(1)In section 12(1) and (2) of the Principal Act, for "Governor in Council" substitute "Minister".
(2)In section 12(3) of the Principal Act, for "he or she" substitute "the person".
(3)In section 12(4) of the Principal Act, for "Governor in Council" substitute "Minister".
18New section 12A inserted
After section 12 of the Principal Act insert—
"12A Acting chairperson
(1)The Minister may appoint a member to act as chairperson of the Corporation if—
(a)the office of chairperson is vacant; or
(b)the chairperson is absent or unable to perform the duties of that office for any reason.
(2)An appointment under subsection (1) is for the term determined by the Minister.
(3)The acting chairperson—
(a)has all the powers of the chairperson; and
(b)may perform all the duties of the chairperson; and
(c)is entitled to receive the same allowances and expenses as the chairperson.
(4)The Minister, at any time, may terminate an appointment under subsection (1).
(5)An appointment under subsection (1) does not constitute a vacancy in the office of member under section 11(1), a resignation under section 11(2) or a removal under section 11(3).".
19Section 14 substituted
For section 14 of the Principal Act substitute—
"14 Person to preside at meetings
At a meeting of the Corporation—
(a)if the chairperson is present, the chairperson must preside; or
(b)if the chairperson is not present and there is an acting chairperson, the acting chairperson must preside; or
(c)if the chairperson is not present and there is no acting chairperson, the deputy chairperson must preside; or
(d)if the chairperson is not present and there is no acting chairperson or deputy chairperson, a member appointed by the members present must preside.".
20Functions
After section 20(e) of the Principal Act insert—
"(ea)with the consent of the Minister, to negotiate and enter into an agreement for the holding of, and to undertake the organisation, conduct, management and promotion of, an event (other than a motor sport event or a Formula One event) approved by the Minister;".
21Powers
In section 21(1) of the Principal Act—
(a)in paragraph (ab), for "the holding of a Formula One event or an Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix event;" substitute—
"the holding of—
(i)a Formula One event; or
(ii)an Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix event; or
(iii)an approved event;";
(b)after paragraph (c) insert—
"(ca)may charge and collect fees for admission to an approved event;";
(c)in paragraph (e), for "relating to a Formula One event, an Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix event or a motor sport event;" substitute—
"relating to—
(i)a Formula One event; or
(ii)an Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix event; or
(iii)a motor sport event; or
(iv)an approved event;";
(d)in paragraph (i)—
(i)in subparagraph (ii), for "events;" substitute "events; or";
(ii)after subparagraph (ii) insert—
"(iii)approved events;".
22Declared area and race period
(1)In section 27(b) of the Principal Act, for "7 days" substitute "21 days".
(2)At the end of section 27 of the Principal Act insert—
"(2)Before making a declaration under subsection (1)(b), the Ministers must have regard to—
(a)the operational requirements of the Formula One event in respect of which the declared area will be in force; and
(b)safety considerations related to the event.".
23Designated access areas
(1)In section 32A(2) of the Principal Act—
(a)in paragraph (a), for "12 weeks" substitute "11 weeks";
(b)in paragraph (b), for "4 weeks" substitute "3 weeks".
(2)In section 32A(3) of the Principal Act—
(a)in paragraph (a), for "2 weeks" substitute "1 week";
(b)in paragraph (b), for "more than 1 week after the end of that race period" substitute "later than the end of the race period".
24Corporation may control and charge for filming, etc.
(1)After section 35(1) of the Principal Act insert—
"(1A)During an approved event, a person must not, without the consent of the Corporation, make, for profit or gain or for a purpose which includes profit or gain, at or from a place within or outside the place where the approved event is being held any sound recording or television or other recording of moving pictures of the approved event or any part of the approved event.".
(2)In section 35(2) and (3) of the Principal Act, after "subsection (1)" insert "or (1A)".
25Corporation to make payment to committee of management
In section 41(1) of the Principal Act, for "$100 000" substitute "the greater of $200 000 or the prescribed amount (if any) or an amount fixed in accordance with the prescribed method of calculation (if any)".
25ADivision 1 of Part 3 heading inserted
Before section 26 of the Principal Act, insert the following Division heading—
"Division 1—General".
25BNew Division 2 of Part 3 inserted
At the end of Part 3 of the Principal Act insert—
"Division 2—Annual compensation scheme
42AADefinitions for this Division
In this Division—
annual compensation scheme means a scheme approved under section 42AAC(3);
direct loss method has the meaning given in section 42AAI;
eligible Albert Park tenant means an entity that holds a lease, licence or other agreement in the declared area for a race period in respect of a year where the lease, licence or other agreement was entered into before 1 January 2026;
fixed amount method has the meaning given in section 42AAH.
42AABCorporation to make compensation payments to eligible Albert Park tenants
The Corporation must pay compensation to eligible Albert Park tenants in accordance with the annual compensation scheme.
42AACAnnual compensation scheme
(1)Each year, the Corporation must develop a draft annual compensation scheme for the purpose of payments under section 42AAB.
(2)Not later than 3 months after the end of the race period in relation to a year, the Corporation must prepare and submit the draft annual compensation scheme to the Minister for approval.
(3)The Minister may approve the draft annual compensation scheme if satisfied it is appropriate to do so, having regard to—
(a)the business plan under section 25; and
(b)in the case of any fixed amount method, the overall approach to assessing and calculating amounts.
42AADEligibility for compensation under the annual compensation scheme
(1)An eligible Albert Park tenant is eligible for compensation under the annual compensation scheme if the eligible Albert Park tenant has suffered direct losses or expenses as a result of a race period for a year being a period not exceeding 21 days.
(2)An entity is not eligible for compensation under the annual compensation scheme if a lease, licence or other agreement in the declared area to which the entity is a party is entered into on or after 1 January 2026.
(3)An eligible Albert Park tenant may be eligible for compensation under the annual compensation scheme even if the tenant has closed the business or other operation conducted pursuant to a lease, licence or other agreement in the declared area for a race period in respect of a year during that race period.
42AAECompensation under section 30(5) not affected
Nothing in this Division affects the operation of section 30(5) in relation to an eligible Albert Park tenant.
42AAFCorporation may request information
For the purposes of developing and administering the annual compensation scheme in accordance with this Division, the Corporation may request an eligible Albert Park tenant to provide any information necessary for the Corporation to make a proper assessment of the compensation payable to that tenant, including specifying a time for the provision of that information.
42AAGCompensation to be by fixed amount method or direct losses method
(1)The Corporation must offer an eligible Albert Park tenant compensation from the annual compensation scheme by a fixed amount method based on a formula developed by the Corporation for calculating a fixed amount of compensation approved by the Minister in the annual compensation scheme approval.
(2)If the eligible Albert Park tenant offered compensation under subsection (1) elects not to accept the compensation by the fixed amount method, the tenant must—
(a)advise the Corporation that the tenant seeks compensation by the direct losses method for direct losses incurred due to the period of the race period in respect of a year being a period not exceeding 21 days; and
(b)provide in support independently audited financial statements.
42AAHWhat does the Corporation consider for fixed amount method of compensation?
The Corporation must consider the following when an eligible Albert Park tenant chooses compensation by the fixed amount method—
(a)the duration of the race period in respect of the year, being the race period minus 7 days and not exceeding a maximum of 14 days;
(b)the number of days the eligible Albert Park tenant was directly affected by the period referred to in paragraph (a);
(c)estimated losses by the eligible Albert Park tenant as a direct result of the period referred to in paragraph (a);
(d)whether the eligible Albert Park tenant is entitled to compensation under section 30(5) or any other payment or remuneration under an arrangement entered into between the Corporation and the tenant;
(e)any other matter the Corporation considers relevant.
42AAIWhat does the Corporation consider for direct losses method of compensation?
(1)The Corporation must consider the following when an eligible Albert Park tenant chooses compensation by the direct losses method—
(a)the duration of the race period declared for the year, being the race period minus 7 days and not exceeding a maximum of 14 days;
(b)the number of days the eligible Albert Park tenant was directly affected by the period referred to in paragraph (a);
(c)actual quantifiable losses incurred by the eligible Albert Park tenant as a direct result of the period referred to in paragraph (a) which—
(i)must be supported by independently audited financial statements; and
(ii)may benchmark direct losses by consideration of losses or profits in a comparison period in the previous year to the current year which are the same days in that previous year as the days for the race period in relation to the current year for which the compensation is sought;
Example
The race period for 2026 is 1 to 21 April 2026. The race period in relation to the year 2025 is 1 to 21 March 2025. The comparison period for losses or profits for the 2026 race period is 1 to 21 April 2025.
(d)whether the eligible Albert Park tenant is entitled to compensation under section 30(5) or any other payment or remuneration under an arrangement entered into between the Corporation and the tenant;
(e)any other matter the Corporation considers relevant.
(2)The Corporation may negotiate an amount of compensation with an eligible Albert Park tenant not exceeding the amount of direct loss claimed by the tenant.".
26New Part 3B inserted
After Part 3A of the Principal Act insert—
"PART 3B—APPROVED EVENTS
42CCorporation may apply for approval of an event that is not a motor sport event or a Formula One event
(1)The Corporation may apply to the Minister for approval of an event to be conducted by the Corporation that is not—
(a)a motor sport event; or
(b)a Formula One event.
(2)An application under subsection (1) must—
(a)be in writing; and
(b)be made at least 6 months before the proposed date of the event; and
(c)contain the following details—
(i)the estimated size of the event;
(ii)the proposed time and date of the event;
(iii)the proposed location of the event;
(iv)financial information relating to the event, including—
(A)the anticipated costs of the event; and
(B)the proposed sources of funding;
(v)if applicable, details of the following—
(A)traffic and transport management plans;
(B)emergency management plans;
(C)security plans.
(3)Despite subsection (2)(b), the Minister may consider an application made less than 6 months before the proposed date of the event.
(4)In considering an application made under subsection (1), the Minister may have regard to any of the following—
(a)the financial sustainability of the event, including the proposed sources of funding;
(b)if the event is proposed to be held at Albert Park, potential impacts on—
(i)the relevant committee of management; or
(ii)any person who is the owner or occupier of, or who has a lease or licence relating to, premises within Albert Park;
(c)operational matters, including measures taken or to be taken by the Corporation in relation to—
(i)traffic and transport management plans; and
(ii)emergency management plans; and
(iii)security plans;
(d)any consultation conducted with Victoria Police (within the meaning of the Victoria Police Act 2013) and emergency services;
(e)any other matter the Minister considers relevant.
42DMinister may request additional information
(1)If an application under section 42C(1) does not contain sufficient information to enable the Minister to determine the application, the Minister may request that the Corporation provide additional information.
(2)A request for additional information under subsection (1) must—
(a)be made in writing; and
(b)be made within 28 days after an application is made under section 42C(1); and
(c)specify the information required; and
(d)specify the date by which the Corporation must provide the information.
42EMinister may approve event
(1)If the Corporation makes an application under section 42C, the Minister, subject to section 42F, may—
(a)approve an event that is not—
(i)a motor sport event; or
(ii)a Formula One event; or
(b)refuse to approve the event.
(2)An approval may be subject to conditions specified in the approval.
(3)The Minister must provide the Corporation with written notice of the Minister's decision under subsection (1)—
(a)within 28 days after an application is made under section 42C(1); or
(b)if the Minister requests additional information under section 42D(1), within 28 days after the Minister's request.
(4)A notice under subsection (3) must—
(a)if the approval is refused, state the reasons for the refusal; and
(b)in relation to an approval, specify any conditions to which the approval is subject.
42FEvents held at Albert Park
If an approval under section 42E relates to an event that specifies Albert Park as the proposed location of the event, the Minister may only approve the event in respect of a proposed date which is not within the race period for the relevant year.
42GPower to approve application non‑delegable
The Minister must not delegate the Minister's power under section 42E.".
27Corporation's property in grand prix insignia
In section 44(6) of the Principal Act, for "he or she" substitute "the Minister".
28Regulations
(1)In section 51(1) of the Principal Act—
(a)in paragraph (ca)—
(i)in subparagraph (i), for "12 weeks" substitute "11 weeks";
(ii)in subparagraph (ii), for "4 weeks" substitute "3 weeks";
(b)in paragraph (cb)—
(i)in subparagraph (i), for "12 weeks" substitute "11 weeks";
(ii)in subparagraph (ii), for "4 weeks" substitute "3 weeks";
(c)after paragraph (e) insert—
"(ea)prescribing the amount, or the method of calculating the amount, that the Corporation must pay to the committee of management in respect of each race period in respect of a year under section 41;".
(2)In section 51(6) of the Principal Act, for "he or she" substitute "the police officer or authorised person".
PART 5—REPEAL OF THIS ACT
29Repeal of this Act
This Act is repealed on the first anniversary of its commencement.
Note
The repeal of this Act does not affect the continuing operation of the amendments made by it (see section 15(1) of the Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984).
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ENDNOTES
1 General information
See for Victorian Bills, Acts and current authorised versions of legislation and up-to-date legislative information.
Minister's second reading speech—
Legislative Assembly: 14 August 2025
Legislative Council: 28 August 2025
The long title for the Bill for this Act was "A Bill for an Act to amend the Australian Grands Prix Act 1994 in relation to the race period, the definition of grand prix insignia, acting appointments and public access areas, to provide for the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to host approved events and for other purposes. "
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