Independent conveyancers emerge in Victoria

For the first time, Victorian consumers are offered the freedom to
choose an independent conveyancer, bringing Victoria into line with
other Australian states where licensed conveyancing had existed for
decades. South Australia, for example, has had Licensed Conveyancers
since 1923.

Victorian Conveyancers’ Association formed

A small group of independent conveyancing practitioners establishes
the Victorian Conveyancers’ Association (VCA), creating a professional
body dedicated to supporting the emerging profession.

VCA incorporated

The Association becomes incorporated, introducing professional
indemnity insurance and educational standards for members—laying the
foundations for today’s profession.

Becoming AIC VIC

The VCA joins the Australian Institute of Conveyancers, becoming the
Australian Institute of Conveyancers (Victorian Division). From this
point forward, AIC VIC focuses on education, advocacy and promoting
high ethical and professional standards.

Certified Practising Conveyancer Program launched

AIC VIC introduces the Certified Practising Conveyancer (CPC)
Program, setting a benchmark for professionalism and recognising
members committed to ongoing excellence.

Continuing to advocate

As the Conveyancers Act reforms progress, AIC VIC continues advocating
for the profession while supporting licensed conveyancers throughout
Victoria.

Licensing achieved

Following years of advocacy, licensing of conveyancers is introduced
by the Victorian Government under the Conveyancers Act 2006,
recognising conveyancing as a regulated profession.

At the same time, governments commit to the National Electronic
Conveyancing Project, beginning the transformation of Australia’s
settlement system. AIC VIC immediately commences preparing members
for this significant change.

The digital transition begins

Electronic Certificates of Title begin replacing paper titles, and
AIC VIC delivers education to prepare practitioners for the move to
digital conveyancing.

Duties Online and Electronic Conveyancing National Law

With the introduction of Duties Online and the Electronic Conveyancing
National Law, AIC VIC provides education and guidance to support
members through significant legislative and operational changes.

First electronic settlements

Electronic settlements commence, with AIC VIC delivering practical
education to help members confidently transition from paper to digital
settlements.

Risk Management Program

As digital conveyancing increases professional risk, AIC VIC launches
its Risk Management Program, providing practical education aimed at
reducing professional indemnity claims.

Foreign Resident Capital Gains Withholding

New taxation obligations are introduced, with AIC VIC providing
education to help practitioners understand and implement the reforms.

Verification of Identity becomes mandatory

Verification of Identity, Client Authorisations and revised Foreign
Resident Withholding thresholds fundamentally change conveyancing
practice. AIC VIC supports members through education, precedents and
practical guidance.

GST Withholding introduced

AIC VIC delivers practical resources and education to assist members
in implementing the new GST Withholding regime.

Electronic conveyancing becomes mandatory

Electronic conveyancing becomes mandatory in Victoria, representing
one of the most significant operational changes in the profession’s
history.

It transforms the settlement process from traditional paper-based
transactions to digital lodgement and settlement platforms,
fundamentally changing the way conveyancers conduct property
transactions. AIC VIC supports members through every stage of the
transition with education, guidance and practical resources.

Digital conveyancing becomes the norm

Electronic Certificates of Title become standard practice, with AIC
VIC continuing to provide education and support as practitioners adapt
to the new environment.

Supporting members through COVID-19

The pandemic accelerates remote working and digital practice. AIC VIC
rapidly delivers webinars, guidance and practical support to assist
members through unprecedented change.

Cyber security becomes a professional priority

Risk management expands beyond professional practice to include cyber
awareness, fraud prevention and cyber resilience.

Advocacy for higher professional standards

AIC VIC increases engagement with regulators while advocating for
stronger professional standards, risk-based compliance and improved
industry outcomes.

Mandatory CPD legislated

Legislation introducing Continuing Professional Development
requirements for conveyancers is passed, reinforcing the profession’s
commitment to lifelong learning and competency.

Continued national advocacy

AIC VIC represents the profession before the Senate Inquiry into
electronic conveyancing interoperability while supporting
practitioners through significant taxation reforms, including the
Foreign Resident Capital Gains Withholding changes.

AML/CTF obligations commence

The profession enters a new era of regulation with the commencement of
the AML/CTF regime, making conveyancers regulated reporting entities
under AUSTRAC.

AIC VIC responds by delivering Victoria’s first AML Summit,
facilitating direct engagement with AUSTRAC, and providing members
with practical guidance, webinars and compliance resources.