There is a proposal in Australia to have uniform Torrens Legislation apply across the country. At present there are eight different Torrens title systems which, although similar, are not identical.

The introduction of the uniform system will hopefully take the best from each of the systems and also allow for easier dealings in property across state borders in Australia. It will also assist the national electronic conveyancing and other property initiatives which are also being developed.

Gary Newton, a partner in our property and development group was involved on 28 & 29 January at a two day workshop which looked at the development of a uniform Torrens Title Act for Australia. The workshop was convened by the Property Law Reform Alliance, was held at the offices of the Property Council of Australia and was jointly sponsored by the Australian Law Council.

Gary recently co-authored a book titled "Annotated Conveyancing and Real Property Legislation New South Wales" 2009 edition. Gary is also the co-author of the New South Wales Conveyancing Services for LexisNexis Butterworths. This puts him in a unique position, with other experts in the field of Real Property Torrens Title legislation, to be able to discuss the development of a national uniform Torrens Title legislative framework for Australia.

Should you have any comments or questions about the Real Property Act in New South Wales or relating to the possible future development of a national uniform Torrens Title legislation for Australia, please feel free to contact Gary Newton of this office.