Act to clarify building access

THE Property Council has received conformation that the Federal Government proposes to amend the Telecommunications Act, to clarify building access rights for telecommunications firms and broaden compensation available to property owners.

The proposed amendments will provide compensation “generally” to property owners whose buildings are affected rather than confine payments to financial loss or damage.

For example, compensation could become payable where an owner loses the use of part of a property for a significant period because of work associated with the installation of a facility.

Property owners would also be able to claim compensation from telecommunication companies if work does not satisfy the constitutional definition of acquiring property on “just terms”.

The Federal Government has also indicated that it wants to amending the act to confirm that telecommunications do have the right to enter all parts of a commercial building.

n Joe Lenzo is WA chief executive of the Property Council of Australia.