Next stage for Landgate partial commercialisation begins

• Opportunity for potential service providers to invest in a unique land registry asset
• Applications for expressions of interest (EOI) are now open until February 12, 2019

The McGowan Government has today started the process of securing a private operator to provide certain automated services to Landgate.

Having previously rejected the full sale of Landgate, the McGowan Government will now proceed with plans to commercialise a restricted part of Landgate's automated land titling transactions. The decision will see the State realise a return on Landgate's innovation and investment, while retaining ownership of the land titles register.

Today's release of the EOI marks the commencement of an open and competitive market process for potential service providers to demonstrate their interest and capability to deliver automated titling services for a 40 to 50 year term.

It is expected a service provider will be appointed in late 2019.

Under the new arrangement, existing privacy and security protections for property owners regarding land titles will be unchanged. Commercialised services will be subject to capped pricing and minimum service standards set by the State. The commercialisation will not result in any forced redundancies of Landgate staff.

Landgate will continue to operate as a statutory authority and oversee the performance of the service provider while continuing to deliver all non-automated land titling transactions, property valuations and location information services to the Western Australian community.

To access the EOI, visit http://www.tenders.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Treasurer and Lands Minister Ben Wyatt:

"The release of the EOI marks a major milestone for the partial commercialisation, and is another example of the McGowan Government's commitment to repairing the State's finances.

"The market is well aware of Landgate's industry leading technology and now has the opportunity to express interest in delivering certain automated services in return for an upfront payment to the State."