Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Regulations 2024

Administered by Attorney-General's Department

Legislation au F2024L00325 Regulations In force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Regulations 2024

made under the

Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act 1970

Compilation No. 1

Compilation date: 5 May 2026

Includes amendments: F2026L00506

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Regulations 2024 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 5 May 2026 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au).

Application, saving and transitional provisions

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Editorial changes

For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.

Presentational changes

The Legislation Act 2003 provides for First Parliamentary Counsel to make presentational changes to a compilation. Presentational changes are applied to give a more consistent look and feel to legislation published on the Register, and enable the user to more easily navigate those documents.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. Any modifications affecting the law are accessible on the Register.

Selfrepealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

 

 

 

Contents

1 Name

3 Authority

5 Definitions

6 Designated State airports

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

1  Name

  This instrument is the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Regulations 2024.

3  Authority

  This instrument is made under the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act 1970.

5  Definitions

  In this instrument:

Act means the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act 1970.

6  Designated State airports

  For the purposes of the definition of designated State airport in section 3 of the Act, the following airports are prescribed:

 (a) Adelaide Airport;

 (b) Brisbane Airport;

 (c) Coolangatta Airport (being the Gold Coast Airport);

 (d) Hobart Airport;

 (e) Melbourne Airport (being the Tullamarine Airport);

 (f) Perth Airport;

 (g) Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport;

 (h) Sydney West Airport.

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Editorial changes

The Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.

If the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.

 

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

 

ad = added or inserted

orig = original

am = amended

p = page(s)

amdt = amendment

para = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)

C[x] = Compilation No. x

/subsubparagraph(s)

ch = Chapter(s)

pres = present

cl = clause(s)

prev = previous

cont. = continued

(prev…) = previously

def = definition(s)

pt = Part(s)

Dict = Dictionary

r = regulation(s)/Court rule(s)

disallowed = disallowed by Parliament

reloc = relocated

div = Division(s)

renum = renumbered

ed = editorial change

rep = repealed

exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have

rs = repealed and substituted

effect

s = section(s)/subsection(s)

gaz = gazette

/rule(s)/subrule(s)/order(s)/suborder(s)

LA = Legislation Act 2003

sch = Schedule(s)

LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003

SLI = Select Legislative Instrument

(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given

SR = Statutory Rules

effect

sub ch = SubChapter(s)

(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment

sub div = Subdivision(s)

cannot be given effect

sub pt = Subpart(s)

mod = modified/modification

underlining = whole or part not

No. = Number(s)

commenced or to be commenced

Ord = Ordinance

 

 

Endnote 3—Legislation history

 

Name

Registration

Commencement

Application, saving and transitional provisions

Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Regulations 2024

18 Mar 2024 (F2024L00325)

19 Mar 2024 (s 2(1) item 1)

 

Commonwealth Places and Other Legislation Amendment (Sydney West Airport) Regulations 2026

4 May 2026 (F2026L00506)

sch 1 (item 1): 5 May 2026 (s 2(1) item 1)

 

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

Provision affected

How affected

s 2.....................

rep LA s 48D

s 4.....................

rep LA s 48C

s 6.....................

am F2026L00506

Schedule 1................

rep LA s 48C

 

 

Overview

The Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Regulations 2024, made under the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act 1970, aim to clarify and provide a legal framework for the application of state laws within Commonwealth places. This includes areas such as airports, ports, and other designated sites that fall under federal jurisdiction. The primary objective of the Act is to address jurisdictional overlaps and ensure a consistent legal approach across these places, facilitating smoother operations and legal clarity. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, these regulations define the scope and application of state laws within these federal territories, ensuring that both state and federal legal frameworks are properly respected and integrated. The regulations specifically identify certain state airports as designated places where the Commonwealth’s legal authority applies. This includes major airports such as Adelaide Airport, Brisbane Airport, Coolangatta Airport, Hobart Airport, Melbourne Airport, Perth Airport, and both Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport and Sydney West Airport. By specifying these locations, the regulations help delineate the areas where Commonwealth laws take precedence, while also detailing how state laws may be applied within these zones, thereby maintaining a balance between state and federal legal jurisdictions.

Scope and Application

The Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Regulations 2024 applies to the application of laws within designated Commonwealth places, specifically focusing on State airports as defined under the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act 1970. The Act provides a legislative framework for determining which laws apply to Commonwealth places, including specific State airports such as Adelaide Airport, Brisbane Airport, Coolangatta Airport (Gold Coast Airport), Hobart Airport, Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine Airport), Perth Airport, Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport, and Sydney West Airport. The geographic scope of the Act extends to these specific locations, ensuring a consistent legal environment across these designated Commonwealth places. The Act does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but the detailed definitions and provisions within the regulations guide the application of laws within these airports. Additionally, the Act allows for the extension or restriction of its application through subordinate instruments, providing flexibility in its implementation and adaptation to changing circumstances.

Key Provisions

The Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Regulations 2024, made under the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act 1970, provide the framework for the application of laws in designated Commonwealth places. These regulations identify specific airports as designated State airports, which include Adelaide Airport, Brisbane Airport, Coolangatta Airport (Gold Coast Airport), Hobart Airport, Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine Airport), Perth Airport, Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport, and Sydney West Airport (sections 1 and 6). The primary objective of these regulations is to clarify the jurisdictional application of State laws in these designated airports, ensuring a smooth legal environment for operations and activities conducted within these premises. The Act imposes certain obligations on the parties and entities operating within these designated State airports. These obligations include adherence to the specific laws and regulations applicable to the airport premises, as defined by both Commonwealth and State laws (section 6). It is the responsibility of airport operators, airlines, and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with all relevant legal requirements, which may encompass safety regulations, operational standards, and administrative protocols established by both federal and state authorities. Additionally, the regulations mandate the maintenance of records and the provision of necessary documentation to relevant authorities upon request, to facilitate oversight and enforcement activities (section 6). Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Regulations 2024 can result in various penalties and consequences. Depending on the severity and nature of the breach, penalties may include fines, legal action, and other enforcement measures as prescribed by the applicable laws. For instance, non-compliance with safety regulations could lead to substantial fines, while more severe infractions might result in criminal charges, leading to imprisonment or additional financial penalties. The exact penalties are determined by the specific laws violated and the discretion of the courts or relevant authorities (section 6). The regulations also outline specific procedures for handling amendments and modifications. Any amendments to the regulations must be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Legislation Act 2003, which may include the issuance of new legislative instruments and the registration of these changes. The amendment process ensures that any updates to the regulations are properly documented and communicated to all relevant parties. Furthermore, the regulations address the incorporation of misdescribed amendments, ensuring that any errors in the amendment process do not impede the intended legal changes (Endnote 2). The detailed amendment history and legislative history provided in the endnotes assist in tracking the evolution of the regulations and understanding the context of any modifications made (Endnotes 3 and 4).

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.