The National Capital Authority (NCA) is established under the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 (the PALM Act). The NCA is a non-corporate Australian Government agency within the Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications portfolio. At 30 June 2020, the NCA was responsible to the Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, with the Minister administering the PALM Act.

The NCA performs the role as trustee of the National Capital, and in this capacity, serves the interests of the Australian Government, the nation and its people. The NCA is responsible for: shaping the National Capital into the future; managing and enhancing the nationally significant parts of Canberra; and fostering awareness of Canberra as Australia’s National Capital.