QJA NEWS In between those structured meetings, we communicate via telephone or email to exchange views on matters requiring more immediate attention. QJA recently drew attention to an unheralded update to the Land Title Practice Manual which appeared to have far-reaching and serious consequences for both the witnessing officers and issuers of the Queensland version of the National Mortgage form. Thanks to QJA’s involvement, the Justice Department was able to intervene and arrange for that particular Practice Manual update to be repealed before any problems were created. In late 2019, QJA advocated for clarification of what constituted “taking reasonable steps” in verifying the identity of signatories to land title documents (ss162(1)(a) of the Land Title Act 1994). In response to QJA’s intervention, a meeting between representatives of the Titles Registry Office, the JP Branch and QJA agreed to the wording of a published statement which contained the clarification we sought. Over recent years, there have been several occasions when QJA members found themselves at odds with the JP Branch over particular practice matters. As a membership association, we also have a role to play in these circumstances and that role is generally to ensure our member’s rights are respected and to negotiate an outcome that is acceptable to all parties. In each case, we have managed to do this. Advocacy is an important part of what you get with QJA.
2021 QJA BOARD ELECTIONS The current QJA Board of Directors was appointed in 2019 and, under Rule 54 of the QJA Constitution, all positions on the Board are declared vacant every two years. Thus, all current Directors must stand down at the end of the 2019 – 2021 term. Fresh elections will be held this year and the new Board announced at the 2021 AGM scheduled for Saturday 6th November 2021. 202
QJA AWARD WINNERS.... Member of the Year – Sara Jane Gault Emerging Leader – Claire Brown Branch of the Year – Brisbane North Community Engagement – Western Suburbs 1 AGM scheduled for Saturday 6th November
MEMBER ACCREDITATION PROGRAM LAUNCHED As mentioned elsewhere in this edition, QJA launched its Member Accreditation Program at the 2021 State Conference, held at Surfers Paradise on Saturday 2021. More details about the program are included on pages 16-19.
John Carpendale, President JP(Qual)
QJA Quarterly
Winter 2021 | 5
