SA Can Council Officers Enter Property Without Permission?

[Les Laub]

What is the law in South Australia with regard to Local Council Officers entering your property without permission. For example, is a Local Government Employee permitted to enter your property at any time to check if your dog is registered or to see if your barbecue complies with council requirements? Can you order them to leave for trespass?

 

[Victoria S]

This is the applicable section of the Local Government Act in Qld that confers powers on its agents. I assume something similar applies in SA?

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2009 - SECT 135135 General powers after entering a property

 

[Les Laub]

I suppose it is the same in South Australia, but what is interesting in ACT Law is that a council officer may enter property only for a specific purpose - they can be told to leave if they do not have a specific purpose. I'll check SA to see if it's the same.

 

[Les Laub]

Boy, is South Australia the nanny state? The Local Government Act actually authorises the officers of the council to break into properties! They pretty much have a free hand in entry, Section 261 has every aspect sewn up.

 

[Victoria S]

Yes property owners don't have as many liberties as we think.

 

[Rod]

Though it is not unfettered access and has to be reasonable in the circumstances.