ORG uses audit powers to investigate NSW Land Registry's (NSW LRS) performance and processes. It does so to identify systemic risks of non-compliance, provide evidence-based insights, and inform decisions on potential escalation. More information on ORG’s regulatory approach is in the Regulatory Charter.
ORG uses audits to understand how systemic issues materialise within processes and functions, offering a solid foundation for determining whether compliance breaches exist. Audits and reviews may involve third-party auditors to strengthen the evidence base with additional subject matter expertise.
These audits may be targeted, focused on priority areas of concern identified through performance monitoring or in response to specific issues raised by stakeholders; or maintenance, part of ORG’s forward plan of audits and reviews, ensuring consistent oversight of the NSW LRS's compliance.
ORG’s forward customer-facing audit program is set out below. This program is carefully planned to deliver comprehensive reviews and assurance, to anticipate challenges, and to respond to emerging areas of risk. It may be adjusted to reflect changes in priority, including where more information is needed in relation to emerging issues of concern.
The program below lists audits for which there may be direct customer impact, or stakeholder engagement. In addition to the list of customer-facing audits, ORG also undertakes audits of internal systems and processes at NSW LRS.
Audit program for 2025-26
| Audit and Focus Area | Overview |
|---|---|
| NSW LRS Plan examination and registration | Audit the effectiveness with which NSW LRS performs its obligations to deliver plan examination and registration services, with reference to Concession Deed obligations. |
| Subscriber Compliance function conducted by NSW LRS and ORG | Audit the subscriber compliance function to determine the effectiveness of the process; address matters raised in the Audit Office's performance audit final report and determine whether the current division of responsibilities between ORG and NSW LRS continues to be appropriate. This audit is a recommendation of the NSW Audit Office's 2025 Performance Audit of ORG. |
Audit program for 2026-27
| Audit and Focus Area | Overview |
|---|---|
| NSW LRS management of complex dealings | Review NSW LRS's management of complex dealings and consider any improvements to support better customer outcomes. |
| NSW LRS service levels | Review the service levels in the Concession Deed to determine whether the updates are appropriate to ensure they are fit for purpose and support industry standards and customer expectations. |
Audit program for 2027-28
| Audit and Focus Area | Overview |
|---|---|
| Competition in the information broker market | Review how land registry data is provided to customers through information brokers. |
| Innovation and data products | Review how NSW LRS makes data available to customers (including through the bulk data approach) and innovation in data products. |