The Reform of Statutory Regulations Relating to The Surveying Profession

Abstract

This paper examines the opportunities for reform of the current statutory based systems that regulate the management and operation of the surveying profession in Australia. An exploration of the evolution of the current regulatory system is undertaken to explore the rationale behind the tenets of the system. Current reform proposals have been driven by government policy changes linked to the implementation of National Competition Policy principles and rapid advances in technology that have changed the face of the spatial information industry and role of the cadastre. The Victorian experience in the reform process of the Surveyors Act 1978 is discussed. Ten key points relating to the regulatory reform are presented. Of primary importance is the need for future frameworks to distinguish between the regulation of the professional aspects of the surveying profession and regulation required to achieve the State’s objectives in protecting the integrity of the cadastre. The authors believe only the latter should be the focus of formal regulation with limited exceptions where regulation is directly related to protecting this integrity.