Essential services will remain in public hands, as the Andrews Labor Government narrows its focus of commercialisation options for Land Use Victoria.

Commercialising certain land titles and registry functions within Land Use Victoria is expected to deliver better services to the public through increased investment to improve technology systems and customer interfaces.

The scoping study is on track and considering options that maintain data protection and privacy, continued Government ownership of and access to data, and ongoing improvement to services for registry customers.

Commercialisation options currently being examined are limited to core registration and information services.

Essential services will remain in public hands, including the Valuer-General Victoria, Surveyor-General Victoria, Land Information and Spatial Services, Government Land Advice and Coordination, and the Victorian Government Land Monitor.

The scoping study builds on the Labor Government’s successful lease of the Port of Melbourne, which generated more than $9.7 billion for Victoria.

Lease proceeds were invested in the Victorian Transport Fund to build vital transport infrastructure across the State.

Consistent with the Port of Melbourne lease transaction, the Government will ensure any affected staff have their rights and entitlements protected.

The scoping study will report its findings to the Treasurer by the end of the year, and follows the Government’s announcement in the Victorian Budget 2017/18 to consider options on how Land Use Victoria can deliver the best value for money.

The announcement is consistent with the Labor Government’s promise to recycle mature assets, and obtain the best value and benefit for Victorians.

UBS and Minter Ellison are the State’s advisers for the scoping study, with peer review by Flagstaff Partners.

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas

“We’re putting land registry customers first, while protecting workers and improving services for Victorians.”

“We’re continuously reviewing Victoria’s balance sheet – identifying opportunities to recycle assets and reinvest the proceeds to build the infrastructure vital for a thriving economy.”

“Employees of Land Use Victoria are delivering an important service for the Victorian community, and we will ensure all employees and their entitlements are protected throughout this process.”