The State Opposition has condemned the Labor Government’s support for the Greens’ radical Use of Vacant Land Bill, calling it a dangerous overreach that tramples on property rights and fails to deliver real housing solutions.
The State Opposition has condemned the Labor Government’s support for the Greens’ radical Use of Vacant Land Bill, calling it a dangerous overreach that tramples on property rights and fails to deliver real housing solutions.
The Bill, introduced by Greens MLC Robert Simms, gives the state the right to seize “underutilised” privately owned land, without consent and without compensation, for an undefined “public purpose.”
Opposition Leader, Vincent Tarzia said Labor has backed this flagrant land grab as it passed through the Upper House.
“Labor has already taken over the Adelaide Parklands, now it's coming for privately owned land,” Mr Tarzia said.
“This is a bad law. It threatens every South Australian’s right to secure property ownership and does nothing to fix the real barriers to housing.
“First Labor rammed through laws to override planning rules for a golf course, now it's teaming up with the Greens to seize private land. What’s next?”
The Bill provides no right of appeal and uses undefined, vague terms that give enormous, unchecked power to councils and ministers.
While it’s argued that the Bill is intended for the land to be used as locations for temporary homes, Shadow Minister for Planning, Michelle Lensink said the legislation doesn’t make that clear, leaving it open to interpretation.
“Under the current proposed Bill, a property could be taken over for anything from a playground to a campground,” Ms Lensink said.
“This kind of legislative overreach sends a chilling message to investors and developers who are essential to addressing our housing shortage.”
The Bill has been widely criticised by the property sector and local councils, including the City of Tea Tree Gully.
Mayor Marijka Ryan, has written to Members of Parliament, appealing for common sense to prevail.
“It is an expectation of our Australian way of life that land ownership is a sacred and protected right under the Australian Constitution and any requirement of that land by Government should only be considered in exchange for appropriate monetary compensation,” Ms Ryan wrote.
“Whilst recognising the challenges in addressing long-term vacant land, any approach must strike an appropriate balance between public interest and individual rights.”
The State Opposition is calling on the Government to reject the Greens’ Bill and return to genuine, bipartisan solutions that respect property rights, support councils, and restore trust in the planning system.
