Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Property Law Reform Alliance?
Why was the Alliance formed?
Who can become a member of the Alliance?
Who will determine whether an applicant may become a Member?
Who are the Legal Sector Members of the Alliance?
Who are the Industry Sector Members of the Alliance?
What is the aim of the Alliance?
What are the objectives of the Alliance?
Who is responsible for the day to day running and management of the Alliance?
Who is the Secretariat?
Who elects the Chairman and how long will they hold office?
Who elects the Deputy Chairman and how long will they hold office?

What is the Property Law Reform Alliance?

The Alliance is a national coalition of legal and industry associations. 

We are committed to achieving uniformity of property laws and procedures across Australia, in order to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of property transactions. 

Why was the Alliance formed?

The Alliance was formed  in 2003 following discussions between the Property Council of Australia and the Australian Property Law Group of the Law Council of Australia about the need for uniform real property legislation. 

The Alliance comprises a range of organisations with an interest in property law reform, listed on the right. 

Who can become a member of the Alliance? 

Any organisation, other than a Government Authority or a representative of a Government Authority, is eligible to apply to become a Member of the Alliance. 

Who will determine whether an applicant may become a Member? 

Member representatives vote to accept an applicant as a Member and determines whether they will represent the Legal Sector or Industry.

Who are the Legal Sector Members of the Alliance? 

• Australian College of Community Association Lawyers;
• Australian Institute of Conveyancers;
• Australian Property Law Group of the Law Council of Australia;
• Law Institute of Victoria;
• Law Society of the Australian Capital Territory;
• Law Society of New South Wales;
• Law Society of the Northern Territory; and
• Law Society of South Australia. 

Who are the Industry Sector Members of the Alliance?

• Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors;
• Australian Property Institute;
• Australian Spatial Information Business Association;
• Master Builders Australia;
• Property Council of Australia (including the Shopping Centre Council of Australia)
• Real Estate Institute of Australia;
• RICS Oceania; and
• Urban Development Institute of Australia.

What is the aim of the Alliance? 

The Alliance is working for the introduction of nationally consistent property law, practices, procedures and compliance requirements throughout Australia. 

In doing so, it is expected that cross-border property transactions will be simpler, more efficient, and more cost-effective. 

What are the objectives of the Alliance? 

The objectives of the Alliance are: 

• to encourage agreement between the Members on issues of property law;
• to consider and formulate a national model of real property legislation;
• to develop an advocacy campaign to promote the benefits of property law reform to Commonwealth, State and Territory governments;
• to develop and implement a communications strategy which highlights the benefit of property law reform; and
• to encourage alliances between the Alliance and organisations with similar objectives.

Who is responsible for the day to day running and management of the Alliance?

The Management Committee, which comprises the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Secretariat, is responsible for the day to day management of the Alliance. 

Who is the Secretariat?

The Secretariat comprises a representative from each of the Property Council of Australia and the Australian Law Property Group of the Law Council (for so long as they are Members).

Who elects the Chairman and how long will they hold office?

The current Chairman, Margaret Hole AM, was elected by the Legal Sector Members of the Alliance, and will hold office until November, 2010, a term of two years.

At the completion of her term, the incumbent Deputy Chairman will be promoted to the position of Chairman and fresh elections will be held for the position of Deputy.

Who elects the Deputy Chairman and how long will they hold office?

The position of Deputy Chairman is currently vacant and will be elected by the Industry Sector Members.

Upon their elevation to Chairman, a new Deputy will be elected by the Legal Sector Members.

Elections for Deputy Chairman occur every two years and alternate between the two sector groups. 

Contacts: 
Chairman:  Dr Stephen Pallavicini
Deputy Chairman: 
Secretariat:  Jane Macnamara, Gerard O'Neill

C/o Level 1, 11 Barrack Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: (02) 9033-1956 Fax: (02) 9033-1967
E-mail:  jmacnamara@propertyoz.com.au
              gerard.oneill@lawcouncil.asn.au

Copyright Property Council of Australia 2000