AustraliaThe government acquired my property but hasn't paid compensation yet. What's the timeline?
Under Australian law, the acquiring authority must pay compensation within 30 days after the acquisition date or after the amount is agreed or determined — whichever is later.
What the Law Says
The timing for payment of compensation when government acquires private property is set out in Commonwealth and state legislation. The primary rule is that compensation must be paid promptly once the amount is finalised.
The Lands Acquisition Act 1989 (Cth) governs compulsory acquisitions by the Australian Government. Section 53 states that compensation 'must be paid within 30 days after the date on which the amount of compensation is agreed or determined'.
This 30-day deadline applies whether compensation is settled by agreement or decided by a court or tribunal. If the acquisition date and determination date differ, the clock starts from the later of the two.
Section 54 adds that if payment is delayed beyond 30 days, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount at the prescribed rate — starting from the day after the 30-day period ends.
While state laws vary slightly, most mirror this framework. For example, the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 (NSW) s. 37 requires payment 'within 30 days after the amount of compensation is ascertained'.
Statutory TextCompensation must be paid within 30 days after the date on which the amount of compensation is agreed or determined.
— Lands Acquisition Act 1989 (Cth), s. 53 — Payment of compensation
Statutory TextIf compensation is not paid within 30 days... interest is payable on the unpaid amount from the end of that period.
— Lands Acquisition Act 1989 (Cth), s. 54 — Interest on unpaid compensation
What to Do
Confirm the official acquisition date and whether compensation has been formally agreed or determined.
Check your notice of acquisition and any correspondence for the date compensation was 'ascertained' (agreed or decided).
If 30 days have passed without payment, contact the acquiring authority in writing to request immediate payment and accrued interest.
If unresolved, lodge a claim with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (for Commonwealth acquisitions) or relevant state tribunal within 6 months of the acquisition date.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.