Registration and licensing being partially privatised in Victoria

The Victorian Government is planning to privatise the departments responsible for vehicle registration and licensing.

The State Government today announced it wants to pair with the private sector to handle jobs currently managed at VicRoads Service Centres, as part of a push to modernise and upgrade its computer systems.

Nothing will change for Victorian motorists in the short term.

A partnership hasn’t yet been locked in, and VicRoads will continue operating as it currently does until a deal is reached.

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas didn’t rule out more expensive registration or licensing costs for motorists when a deal is struck.

As a part of the proposed joint venture, the Government will own and manage “key regulatory functions” and control pricing for costs such as registration and licence renewals.

It would also set the standards for data security and privacy.

Mr Pallas said a public/private partnership will allow VicRoads to modernise its computer systems and processes, with the goal of providing better customer service.

“The private sector are much better at delivering these tools,” Mr Pallas today told media. “They’re also much better at responding to customer needs.”

Mr Pallas indicated a private partner to the Government will earn a share of Victorian registration and licensing earnings, which last year totalled $1.8 billion.

The Government is seeking a 30 or 40-year partnership with the private sector.