Section 51(xxxi) of the Commonwealth Constitution does not invalidate State legislation restricting land use, even where the State legislation was enacted pursuant to an arrangement with the Commonwealth for the purpose of avoiding the just terms guarantee. The purpose of a State statute is irrelevant to its validity under s 51(xxxi). However, the question whether the Commonwealth acquires a proprietary interest through State vegetation clearing restrictions that assist the Commonwealth in meeting international treaty obligations was not regarded as manifestly untenable.
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