Note: The interoperability reform has been paused. For more information please visit ELNO interoperability.
ARNECC Publications
Australian Registrars’ National Electronic Conveyancing Council (ARNECC) has primary responsibility for the national interoperability reform. Rules and guidance documents can be found on the ARNECC website.
Interoperability Progress Reports
Since 2023, the Office of the Registrar General (ORG) has reported annually to the NSW Parliament on progress toward implementing the national interoperability reform between Electronic Lodgment Network Operators.
As the interoperability reform is not proceeding at this time, the 2026 progress report will be the final progress report to NSW Parliament unless the interoperability reform resumes.
The reports are available below:
| Year | Report |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Report of Registrar General entitled "Interoperability between Electronic Lodgment Network Operators: Fourth Progress Report to NSW Parliament", dated June 2026 Date Tabled: 25 June 2026 |
| 2025 | Report of Registrar General entitled "Interoperability between Electronic Lodgment Network Operators: Third Progress Report to NSW Parliament", dated June 2025 Date Tabled: 5 August 2025 |
| 2024 | Report of Registrar General entitled "Interoperability between Electronic Lodgment Network Operators: Second Progress Report to NSW Parliament", dated June 2024 Date Tabled: 28 August 2024 |
| 2023 | Report of Registrar General entitled "Interoperability between Electronic Lodgment Network Operators: Progress Report to NSW Parliament", dated May 2023 Date Tabled: 20 June 2023 |
Reviews
The national interoperability reform has been the subject of a number of independent expert reviews and Government inquiries, including:
| Reports and Reviews | |
|---|---|
| Function and Requirements Review December 2025 | ARNECC commissioned an in-depth review of the technical functional requirements for direct-connect interoperability. The review found that there is a viable pathway to ELNO interoperability that will support market objectives, however, achieving full interoperability is complex and will require significant commitment from ELNOs, integrated third parties and supporting stakeholders. |
| Cost Benefit Analysis December 2025 | ARNECC commissioned an updated cost benefit analysis to test whether the direct connect interoperability model continues to be the most appropriate model as compared to other identified interoperability models. The report found that three of seven options (direct connect, direct connect via Practitioner-choice and monopoly regulation) are expected to deliver net benefits compared to the status quo, with direct connect as the preferred option. However, the report notes there are several uncertainties that create challenges in identifying a preferred option for an interoperability model. |
| Senate Standing Committees on Economics - Micro-competition opportunities in e-conveyancing November 2025 | On 12 February 2025, the Senate referred an inquiry into micro-competition opportunities to the Senate Economics References Committee. The inquiry’s terms of reference were for the committee to inquire and report into micro-competition opportunities in the Australian economy into relation to e-conveyancing. |
NSW Productivity and Equality Commission eConveyancing market study June 2024 | The NSW Productivity and Equality Commission conducted a market study examining the effectiveness of competition in the eConveyancing market. The market study found that the current eConveyancing market lacks effective competition. It recommended the interoperability reform to progress to foster competition, which would lead to lower prices, improved quality, increased innovation, a wider range of product choices, and increased market prosperity. |
IPART Review of Interoperability Pricing for Electronic Lodgment Network Operators June 2023 | The NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) investigated a national pricing regulatory framework for interoperable electronic conveyancing transactions. In its approach to recommending interoperable transaction fees IPART determined that Subscribers should not pay more for an interoperable transaction than a single Electronic Lodgment Network Operator (ELNO) transaction. |
Addressing Market Power in Electronic Lodgment Services Cost Benefit Analysis September 2020 | NSW ORG commissioned the Centre for International Economics to undertake a cost benefit analysis comparing interoperability with a regulated monopoly ELNO and multiple non-interoperable ELNOs. The report concluded that interoperability is the preferred option and delivers greater benefits to the community. |
ACCC Report on E-conveyancing Market Reform December 2019 | The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) concluded that interoperability is the preferred approach over the alternative of a regulated monopoly. The ACCC noted that benefits of competition include innovation, price pressure and responsiveness to stakeholder concerns. |
December 2019 | The review considered the regulatory framework and various competition models. |
IPART Review of Pricing Framework for Electronic Conveyancing Services in NSW November 2019 | Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) reviewed the eConveyancing market and supported interoperability as a driver for innovation and lower costs. |
NSW Directions Paper on Proposed eConveyancing Interoperability Regime February 2019 | This Directions Paper describes potential models for interoperability, sets out possible liability and insurance structures, and proposes a governance regime as a way forward. It proposes options and solutions. |