Salus Populi Suprema Lex: Justifying Compulsory Mineral Leases in the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995 (Tas)

This article examines the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995 (Tas), which provides the framework for compulsory mineral tenement leases in Tasmania. It argues that the Act in substance provides a regime of compulsory acquisition over surface land. The sanctity of private ownership, and the presumption against proprietary interference without a valid cause, are balanced with welfare economic arguments.