> About Us

Incorporated in Western Australia in 1978 as the Settlement Agents Association Inc, in 1995 we were recognised as the WA Division of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers.

There are six other Divisions of the AIC, in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, New Zealand, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Membership of AICWA consists currently (as at May 2005) of 205 Associate Members (licensed settlement agents) 28 Affiliate Members, 52 Corporate Members, 5 Life Members and 18 Student Members.

The services we supply to Members include:

• Seminars & Educational Workshops
  
• Representation on Industry Sub-Committees
  
• Information on relevant topics through bulletins and newsletters
  
• Assistance in resolving complaints and disputes
  
• Publication of and updates to the "Conveyancing Guide"
  
• Bi-annual State Conference
  
• Occasional Social Functions
  

AICWA consults regularly with organisations such as the Department of Land Information, State Revenue Department, Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, Settlement Agents Supervisory Board and various financial institutions to ensure that the interests of its Members are considered concerning relevant issues.

In addition to local events, Members receive advance notice of National Conferences. AICWA hosted the National Conference in Perth in 1998. In October 2003, the National Conference will be held at the Twin Waters resort on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, hosted by NSW Division. The 2005 National Conference was held at the Stamford Grand, Glenelg, South Australia 11-13 March and the 2007 National Conference is in the planning stage.

For more information about up-coming functions visit our "Events" page.

*** HISTORICAL REVIEW, IN BRIEF ***

A CELEBRATION OF THE PROCLAMATION OF THE "SETTLEMENT AGENTS ACT OF 1981"

Property settlements were traditionally conducted by law firms, real estate agents and banks. All representatives of the parties in each transaction would meet at the Land Titles Office, who checked all documents before registration.

In 1967 the first settlement agency started with Documentary Services (Ken McKenzie and Doug McKenna).

By 1970 others, namely City Settlements (John Michelle), Statewide Settlements (Gary Hoare), Steen Settlements (June Steen - the first female settlement agent) and Realty Settlements (Greg Holmes) were established. These people (and others) saw the need for an Association of Settlement Agents to 'gel ' this new industry.

In 1970 changes took place in the operations of the Land Titles Office which placed greater responsibility for settlement of property transactions outside the Titles Office.

By 1972 the industry grew to approximately 30 agencies emerging from independents, real estate agents and law firms. As more and more agencies started the Law Society were concerned that there was no legislation governing Settlement Agents. Test cases were brought against three firms to 'test the law'. The settlement industry called a meeting which was held at the Subiaco Football Club and a fighting fund was established to assist those agencies involved. The settlement industry was under threat as the Law Society prepared a Bill to be brought before Parliament with strong controls. This was known as "The Blue Book". WA Independent Settlement Agents Association was now formalised and lobbied for the Bill to be cancelled.

Representatives from all quarters within the industry formed a working party and prepared "The Red Book" detailing the roll of a settlement agent and our own draft Bill was prepared by a sympathetic law firm.

Politicians were lobbied and the "draft" was presented to the Court Government in 1980, which was distributed widely, resulting in numerous submissions being received . A working party of five was established to examine the submissions.

On 14th April 1981 the Settlement Agents Bill was introduced to Parliament by the Chief Secretary Mr Bill Hassell and following due process, was accepted and therein named the "Settlement Agents Act of 1981". The Bill was proclaimed on 1st November, 1982.