1. Surveying and Mapping Industry Council Update
Office of the Registrar General
October 2016

2. On 1 July, LPI was separated into four separate organisations
Office of the Valuer General
Department of Finance, Services and Innovation
Valuation Services
Spatial Services
Title and Registry Service
Office of Registrar
General
Moving to a 35 year private concession
Operational
Regulatory

3. Maintain the confidence of the NSW public in our property rights
We are a regulator, policy adviser and litigator, working to ensure the security of NSW’s land title system
Ensure maintenance of public confidence in the NSW land title system
Manage the Concession and ensure the Operator meets its obligations and KPIs
Allow the operator room for innovation and greater efficiency
Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the State cadastre as a basis for defining the legal extent of land title
Resolve boundary disputes by providing an independent determination of boundary location
Cadastral integrity
Oversee the Operator’s performance
Provide information and advice on land boundaries and the resolution of related disputes
To ensure the Operator fulfils its responsibilities in the Deed
Maintain the confidence of the NSW public in our property rights
Drive e-conveyancing reforms
Ensure the integrity, security, performance and availability of the Registry
Provide policy and legal advice
To fully realise the benefits of e-conveyancing by phasing out paper in the coming years
To keep relevant legislation modern and fair
Lead consultations with stakeholders on an appropriate timetable for e-conveyancing
Contribute to the regulation of the national system
Drive digitalisation of other related documents
Participate in and support policy changes
Administer the TAF and conduct litigation on TAF claims

4. We are a new organisation, building on a strong platform of continuity, combined with new staff
Office of the Registrar General – current structure
(Concession Deed management)
Registrar General
Executive Assistant
(Policy)
Director, Litigation & Policy
(TAF litigation)
Director
Legal/Industry Coms/Governance
Director Cadastral Integrity
Manager Industry Engagement and Correspondence
Director Contract and Vendor Management
Principal Lawyer
x 2
Principal Lawyer
Correspondence Officer
Manager Contractor Performance
Senior Lawyer
Surveyor
Senior Lawyer
(E-conveyancing)
Senior Lawyer
Contract Manager
Audit Surveyor
Lawyer
x 2
Lawyer
x 2
(Surveying)
Graduate Surveyor
Contract Coordinator
Legal Assistant
We also have key executive from LPI working in ORG during the transition, along with support from the Secretary’s Office, advising the RG on all aspects of the transaction
Continued from LPI
Newly appointed, external
To be advertised

5. The Government’s aim is the Operator invests in new technology, innovates and maintains data security
“The private sector will have strong incentives to invest in new technology, resulting in significant improvements to the system, and benefits for consumers”.
(NSW Treasurer)
“We expect to see accelerated digital capabilities and efficiencies driven in business through the private sector's investment in new technology, which will improve the services provided to consumers”.
(Minister Perrottet)
“Obligations that ensure the security of the data”. (NSW Treasurer)
“Paramount in the Government's considerations has been the security of the data collected and managed by the operator. The Registrar General will have regulatory oversight of these matters through the concession deed”. (NSW Treasurer)
It is expected that new private investment will update the land title system to deliver a modern, innovative and secure service to customers

6. The legislative and policy framework is similar to now
Government
Responsible for the administrative, legislative and regulatory framework of land titling, land development and conveyancing
Same as now
Has policy and portfolio responsibility for the Registry and Concession and retains statutory powers under the Legislative Framework, including the TAF
Minister
Has responsibility for monitoring and overseeing the operation of the Concession and the Operator’s dealings with customers.
Can veto changes proposed by Operator to RG’s directions not in the public interest.
Registrar
General
Similar but LPI moves to a private concession
Provide core services in accordance with: Real Property Act 1900 (NSW), Electronic Conveyancing National Law (NSW), the Conveyancing Act 1919 (NSW), Lodgement Rules, delegated functions, and RG Directions and RG Internal Guidelines.
LPI / Operator
✔ Responsible for current LPI staff and assets associated with titling services
✔ Maintain, operate and provide access to Torrens Title Register and General Register of Deeds
✔ Process and make decisions in relation to plan and document lodgment and information delivery

7. We will oversee the Operator to ensure integrity, security, performance and availability of the Registry
The arrangement will cover things like
Being a stand-alone entity
Data protection
Oversight and rules
Quality assurance
Continuous improvement
Governance and engagement
What happens if the operator doesn’t meet a service level?
“New provisions have been introduced to enable the Registrar General to monitor and enforce performance standards in accordance with clearly defined service levels, key performance indicators and legislative and contractual obligations” (Minister for Finance, Services and Property)
“The bill includes statutory step-in powers. These can be exercised where there is a threat or a likely threat to the integrity of the register and will allow the Government to operate the business if this becomes necessary in emergency circumstances”. (NSW Treasurer)
What we’re doing to prepare
Testing systems and processes
Building regulatory culture and growing capability
Developing service levels agreements with councils and other agencies
Identifying risks
Templates, operational material and scheduling
Close engagement between Operator and ORG
Regularly discuss business, IT, risks, financial and other plans

8. We ensure the accuracy and integrity of the State cadastre
We provide an independent decision on the location of a boundary. We are currently reviewing 8 boundary disputes.
Reviewing boundary disputes
Before a plan is registered it may be subject to a field audit. The aim is to ensure surveyors are complying with relevant acts, regulations and determinations. We are undertaking audits in Sydney and regional NSW. Last financial year we conducted 275 audits of the around 8,500 plans lodged.
Audit procedures
Surveying and Spatial Information Regulation
Regulation is to be reviewed and remade by 1 September 2017 (Regulatory repeal program). Completed consultation with stakeholders. Early 2017: aim to finalise Regulation and release Regulatory Impact Statement.
If either party does not agree, they can take the RG to the Land and Environment Court, although in most cases, parties tend to respect the RG’s decision.
Boundary disputes
The increasing value of land and developments in technology have resulted in more boundary disputes. Disputes over the location of land boundaries can be costly, take years to resolve in the Supreme Court, cause land owners financial and emotional distress and frustrate the proper use of land. Part 14A Real Property Act 1900 empowers the Registrar General to resolve boundary disputes, offering an alternative to the complexity, delays and expense of litigation.
Official use only