ɫ������

At last, some good news for Bathurst workers: LPI jobs safe – The Western Advocate

By Louise Eddy

THE State Government has dumped plans to privatise Bathurst’s Land and Property Information office, ending months of uncertainty for local staff.

Finance and Services Minister Andrew Constance visited the site yesterday to personally give the assurance that there are no imminent plans to privatise services at Bathurst.

Mr Constance and LPI general manager Des Mooney spoke to the whole staff yesterday to clarify the Government’s position and offer reassurance. Around 260 people are employed at LPI in Bathurst.

Mr Constance said the Government would not proceed with any sell-off of LPI services while a national electronic conveyancing model is being implemented.

This is expected to take two to three years.

He said establishing the national electronic conveyancing system is a key priority for the Government.

Mr Constance said it is the most significant change to property transactions since the introduction of the Torrens system 150 years ago, and will deliver significant efficiencies to LPI and the NSW taxpayer.

“The aim of national electronic conveyancing is to provide an electronic business environment for completing property transactions prior to lodgment with the land registry office,” Mr Constance said.

“We will continue LPI programs that develop staff expertise and encourage innovation in Bathurst while the new model is beingimplemented,” he said.

The announcement has been welcomed by the Public Service Association’s LPI chairman Jim Burke, who said it all sounds very promising.

“It is very reassuring that the minister delivered the message himself,” he said.

“This has dragged on with very little information for some time.

“There was a great deal of relief among staff after the minister and general manager addressed them,” he said.

Mr Burke said there is strong recognition in the community, and particularly within emergency services, of the work done at LPI and how it underpins so much of the infrastructure in NSW.

“Mr Constance acknowledged that very clearly,” he said.

“He also explained that the new technological developments don’t make LPI suitable for privatisation.

“In two to three years there might be another review, but for now we will continue as normal.”

Mr Burke said the dialogue between management and the union has been kept open since the review of services was announced.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole was also pleased the minister took the time to come to Bathurst, adding that the future looks bright for LPI.

“LPI staff have lived under a cloud of doubt since November last year,” he said.

“There is no plan to privatise, sell off, or close LPI.

“The minister coming here today and speaking to all staff has provided some clarification regarding what is happening.”