Key Governance Documents

The Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 (PALM Act) established the ACT’s land management system and regulatory framework for planning and development. It also established the National Capital Authority (NCA) to manage National Land and administer the National Capital Plan.

Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988

The National Capital Plan (the Plan) is the strategic plan for Canberra and the Territory. It ensures that Canberra and the Territory are planned and developed in accordance with their national significance.

National Capital Plan

A Statement of Expectations is issued by the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories to the National Capital Authority to provide clarity about the Australian Government's policies and objectives relevant to the NCA and the priorities the Minister expects the NCA to observe in its operations. The NCA responds to the Statement of Expectations through a Statement of Intent, outlining how the NCA will meet the Government's expectations.

Statement of Expectations

Statement of Intent

The Authority Charter outlines the roles, responsibilities, and governance framework for the National Capital Authority.

The PALM Act provides the Authority (also referred to as the NCA Board) consist of a Chair and four other members, appointed by the Governor-General.

The Authority is the accountable authority for the purposes of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and is therefore responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and performance of the NCA.

Authority Charter – April 2025

The NCA Audit & Risk Committee provides independent advice and assurance to the Authority on the NCA’s financial and performance reporting, risk oversight and management, and control and compliance framework. 

The Audit & Risk Committee Charter outlines the roles, responsibilities, and governance framework for the Committee. 

NCA Audit and Risk Committee Charter - June 2025 

Effective corporate planning, performance measurement and reporting are critical for accountability, transparency, driving continuous improvement and influencing the level of trust and confidence in the National Capital Authority (NCA).

The Commonwealth Performance Framework sets out the requirements for Australian Government entities for the publication of corporate planning and reporting documents that provide meaningful information to government and the public about what the NCA does and what results the organisation achieves.

The NCA’s Corporate Performance Measurement Framework has been established in line with the Commonwealth Performance Framework.  

Performance Measures 2025-2026

The NCA’s objectives and measures for period 2025-26 to 2028-29 are stated on pages 8-12.

NCA Corporate Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29.

Performance Measures 2024-2025

The NCA’s objectives and measures for period 2024-25 to 2027-28 are stated on pages 8-15.

NCA Corporate Plan 2024-25 to 2027-28

Performance Against Measures 2023-24

The NCA assesses its performance against objectives throughout the year. Performance measures are published on an annual basis in the Annual Report.

NCA Risk Management Policy and Framework 2025

Conflict of Interest Policy 2025

Commonwealth Child Safe Framework – Annual Statement of Compliance - October 2026