The Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 (NSW) (PSUP Act) came into force on 1 November 2022 and will repeal the Impounding Act 1993 (NSW) (Impounding Act).
The PSUP Act came about after extensive consultation with key stakeholders such as councils, members of the public, industry groups and government agencies.
The PSUP Act is now the source of regulatory powers for councils to take possession of unattended items found in public spaces. Under the PSUP Act, where property is left unattended in public, those responsible must attend to it within reasonable timeframes, or face enforcement action, including strong penalties. [...]
