Local Government Act 2009

The assessor may decide a seized thing is forfeited to the State if an investigator—

after making reasonable inquiries, can not find an owner; or

after making reasonable efforts, can not return it to an owner.

However, the investigator is not required to—

make inquiries if it would be unreasonable to make inquiries to find an owner; or

make efforts if it would be unreasonable to make efforts to return the thing to an owner.

Example—The owner of the thing has migrated to another country.

Regard must be had to the thing’s condition, nature and value in deciding—

whether it is reasonable to make inquiries or efforts; and

if inquiries or efforts are made—what inquiries or efforts, including the period over which they are made, are reasonable.