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State Govt to begin formal investigation into Landgate viability

Lisa ThomasMidland Kalamunda Reporter

THE State Government will start a formal investigation of WA’s land information authority, Landgate, to see the viability of commercialising some or all of the operations.

The study, which will be provided to the Government in mid-2018, will include an analysis on the value of the Midland-based agency and its assets and investments.

The report will be informed by expert staff from Landgate and Treasury, while external advice will be sought as the project progresses.

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Recent commercialisation undertaken in other States around Australia and internationally will be examined as part of the study, with the State Government ensuring all Landgate staff have their rights and entitlement protected.

Lands Minister Rita Saffioti said the report would take the broadest view possible of Landgate’s future.

“Landgate is a complex business – it holds several investments on behalf of the State and provides a number of vital services to Government and to the people of Western Australia, so we will carefully consider the options available to us,” she said.

“The security and integrity of the data that Landgate holds will form a crucial part of the evaluation, as we work through the options.”

Treasurer Ben Wyatt said the Government needed to consider all option to manage pressures on the State Budget.

“It makes sense for us to look at the options we have with Landgate,” he said.

“Landgate is a valuable asset. What we need to consider is what is the right thing to do in the long-term interests of the State.

“There are functions that Landgate undertakes that are vitally important to our economy, so we need to take a good look at it, consider all options and determine the best outcome.

“Whichever direction the Government ultimately chooses to take, it will be in the vest interests of all Western Australians.”