ECNL changes for interoperability

On 6 June 2022, amendments to the Electronic Conveyancing National Law (ECNL) came into effect to introduce provisions in relation to interoperability between Electronic Lodgment Network Operators (ELNOs). The provisions include a requirement for ELNOs to interoperate, and powers for the Registrar General to determine operating requirements in relation to interoperability between ELNOs on matters such as pricing, data standards and bilateral agreements.

Publication of version 6.1 of the NSW Operating Requirements

NSW Operating Requirements version 6.1 commenced on 17 June 2022. OR 5.4.3 was amended to ensure the current CPI limitation on fee increases continues until at least 30 June 2023.

Extended Certifications Waiver under the NSW Participation Rules

The waiver to the Participation Rules regarding certifications has been extended until 30 June 2023 to allow more time for system upgrades to be implemented. The waiver allows Subscribers to use the wording of the certifications in Version 5 of the Participation Rules for the time being.

Digitisation of historical records

Over three million Registrar General paper records have been digitised and are now available online to customers. More records are being digitised, but these need conservation work, before they can be made available electronically. For detailed information on the records, please see below.

ELNO / financial institution code

Australian Payments Network (AusPayNet) is working with ELNOs and banks to develop an industry code, to support best practice in financial settlements for conveyancing. Peak bodies, ARNECC and the Reserve Bank of Australia will be observers to this work.

Alternative signing options for strata and community schemes

Regulations have been made to further extend temporary arrangements for strata and community schemes which allow alternative signing options during COVID-19. The changes, which permit a scheme to execute an instrument by signature rather than affixing the association or owner’s corporation seal, are now in force until 29 September 2022.

Subscriber Compliance Examinations

Subscribers are reminded that failing to respond to a compliance examination notice issued by NSW LRS is a breach of the Electronic Conveyancing National Law and the Participation Rules. Failure to respond can result in a Subscriber’s access to an Electronic Lodgment Network being suspended or terminated. You can find more information here:

Land titling support for NSW property owners affected by flooding

NSW LRS is providing free land titling support for property owners affected by flooding. Land title searches and plans can assist landholders with insurance claims and development applications to council.

NSW LRS customer fees update from 1 July 2022

NSW LRS fees for products and services involving land titles, plans, property information and the Water Access Licence Register has changed from 1 July 2022. For more information, please see the announcement below.

New email address for dealing and plan amendments

NSW LRS has combined the email addresses for both Dealing and Plan Amendment emails. Please send any new dealing or plan amendment requests to the new email address amendments@nswlrs.com.au