Who Are You? Landgate Implements Tougher Measures to Mitigate Fraud

The Western Australian Registrar of Titles and Commissioner of Titles (Landgate) requires persons who deal with land to provide verification of identity (VOI). This is a two-step process that consists of the production of current, original documents, which are then verified in a face-to-face assessment by an identifier.  This practice was introduced in 2012 after a number of well-publicised fraudulent transactions where property was sold to innocent third parties without the knowledge of the owner.

In January 2018, Landgate updated its policy, and now requires not only sellers but also buyers and caveators to provide a VOI. A VOI issued before 12 February 2018 will remain valid under the new policy. Self-represented parties will require a separate VOI statement for each transaction they conduct. A VOI for represented parties will remain valid for 2 years if they are represented by the same lawyer on an on-going basis.

If you have any questions or concerns about how these changes may affect your transactions, call us.

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Meet the Integra Team: Law Students

Law students have always been a key part of day-to-day operations at Integra providing administrative, paralegal support and research capacity across all practice areas.

This month we said goodbye to students Indianna Somerville and Megan Lester. Indi graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Western Australia in 2017, and starts as a graduate at Norton Rose Fulbright. Megan graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science and International Relations, and starts as a graduate at Squires Patton Boggs. They will be greatly missed and we thank them for their hard work over the years.

Integra has built a strong reputation as an excellent training ground for law students with past students securing graduate positions at firms such as Ashurst, King Wood Mallesons and Quinn Emmanuel.  We encourage our law students to be "global citizens" of the legal world and to expand their legal training with graduate opportunities in top tier Australian and international firms. They may all be back one day! In the meantime, we will watch with pride as their brilliant careers develop.

Community News

This year we are pleased to again sponsor, Daryl Smith a multi year participant in the Hawaiin Ride for Youth.  The HRFY is held annually over 4.5 days with riders travelling from Albany or geraldton to Perth over 700kms to raise funds and awareness for Youth Focus. Donate to this great cause by visiting www.rideforyouth.com.au.

DISCLAIMER: This newsletter was prepared by Integra Legal, who have taken great care to ensure the accuracy of its contents. However, the newsletter is written in general terms and you are strongly recommended to seek specific professional advice before taking any action based on the information it contains.