Tasmanian Attorney-General, Guy Barnett, has intervened in the Supreme Court appeal from Lowe v Beauty Point (Tas) Pty Ltd and Beauty Point Trading Pty Ltd [2025].
Under section 16(1)(a) of the Crown Proceedings Act 1993, the Attorney-General, on behalf of the Crown, has the right to intervene in proceedings 'in which the interpretation or validity of any law of the State or the Commonwealth is in question'.
"The existing rights of long-term residents in caravan parks is a critically important issue for many Tasmanians," the Attorney said.
Intervening in this matter will allow the Attorney-General to make submissions to the Supreme Court on the operation of section 12 of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993, which impacts on the existing residential use rights at the Beauty Point Tourist Park.
The park owners hold a different position and are appealing.
"The Government has a clear legislative commitment to ensuring that the rights of long-term caravan park residents are protected," the Attorney-General said.
"We are currently drafting legislation in accordance with our election commitment. This commitment and the associated timeframes are not affected by this intervention.
"The Lowe v Beauty Point matter however raises important questions in relation to the interpretation of existing rights.
"It is important that existing laws are clarified so that caravan park owners and other authorities can understand and comply with those laws."
