ELNO interoperability

Update on the interoperability reform – 24 March 2026

On 24 March 2026, relevant Ministers and their representatives met to consider the national interoperability reform and the findings of key reviews completed by the Australian Registrars’ National Electronic Conveyancing Council (ARNECC), including a Functional Requirements Review (FRR) of the Direct Connect model and a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) of different competition models.

State and Territory Ministers have endorsed ARNECC’s recommended actions, including not proceeding with the interoperability reform at this time, given challenges in securing bank participation. Ministers also agreed to formally request further engagement from the Commonwealth Government and its agencies to help address these challenges and support improved competition and more effective regulation of the eConveyancing industry.

The Ministerial Statement is available on ARNECC’s website.

ORG is continuing to work through ARNECC to strengthen the existing eConveyancing regulatory regime and deliver improved outcomes for customers. This includes supporting regular review of the Operating Requirements that apply to Electronic Lodgment Network Operators (ELNOs) and ORG’s ongoing review of ELNO conditions of approval to operate in NSW, to ensure regulatory settings remain fit for purpose. Engagement with the Commonwealth Government and its regulatory authorities will also continue.

A critical part of the regulatory framework is strong pricing oversight of the ELNO market. ELNO service fees are currently capped at annual CPI increases, and ORG supports the review of ELNO service fees currently being conducted by the NSW Independent Pricing and Review Tribunal (IPART).