Changes to the Unclaimed Goods Act 1987 have been passed by State Parliament.

Goods can be ‘unclaimed’ when they are left with a business for repair or other service, are left with others to look after, in buying or selling, or when they are abandoned on private premises.

A review was undertaken and changes proposed to simplifying the process of disposing of or selling unclaimed goods, while cutting unnecessary red tape.

Under the reforms, the threshold values that determine how unclaimed goods must be dealt with have been updated along with waiting times. Several outdated provisions – including a need to place public notice ads in the newspaper before disposing of unclaimed property – have also been removed.

There will be consultation with key stakeholders before determining when the new laws will start. Learn more about the reforms.

About the review

A discussion paper identified ways the Unclaimed Goods Act 1987 could be improved to make the process of selling or disposing of unclaimed goods easier, while maintaining important protections for owners.

Have your say

Feedback on the issues raised in our discussion paper  (PDF, 339.7 KB) is now closed.

Submissions closed on Friday, 16 February 2024.

Visit YourSAy to learn more.