State Government rejects sale of Landgate but will commercialise land titling service

THE State Government has rejected the sale of Landgate, opting instead to commercialise a restricted part of Landgate’s automated functions.

The Cabinet decision was made following the completion of a detailed scoping study which carefully investigated options to realise value for the community from Landgate’s operations.

The decision will mean the Government retains ownership and oversight of the land titles register, and Landgate itself will continue to function as a statutory authority.

However Landgate’s automated land titling service will be commercialised. There will be no forced redundancies as a result of this decision.

An independent, competitive process will be undertaken to identify potential commercial service providers.

The decision will fund Western Australia’s participation in the National Redress Scheme and the State Government’s decision to remove limitation periods for all child sexual abuse actions, which, combined, could cost $640 million.

Lands Minister Rita Saffioti said under the arrangement, the State would retain ownership and statutory responsibility for the land titles register.

“The authority will continue to provide services to customers, the community and Government through its property valuations, location information and remaining land titling functions, and will continue to innovate and evolve as a vital State agency,” she said.