Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 (Northern Territory)

Mechanically, the Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 creates a regulatory framework for land-boundary surveying in the Northern Territory. It establishes (a) a Surveyor-General (s 5) with delegation powers (s 6), (b) a corporate Surveyors Board (ss 8-19) that keeps the Register of Licensed Surveyors (ss 22-24), sets fees (s 20), issues certificates (s 24(3)), conducts inquiries (s 34) and may reprimand, suspend or remove registrants (s 33), and (c) a Licensed Surveyors Appeal Tribunal to rehear certain Board decisions (Part V, ss 40-46). The Act defines who may call themselves a "licensed surveyor" (s 4) and describes the basic registration pathways, including Town-state reciprocal recognition (s 27) and the Board’s ability to run examinations (s 26) and require attendance (s 25(2)). It requires licensed surveyors to submit certified plans and the underlying data to the Surveyor‑General in the prescribed manner and format (s 49), and it makes Surveyor‑General plan approval a precondition for the Territory to accept or adopt a survey (s 50). The Act also creates criminal and civil enforcement levers: monetary penalties for unauthorised surveying, obstruction, destruction of marks and related misbehaviour (for example ss 48(1)-(3), 61(3), 62(1)), and administrative sanctions (reprimand, suspension, removal) administered by the Board (s 33).

The Act’s stated policy purpose is registration and regulation of land boundary surveyors and the practice of land boundary surveying , that language appears in the long title and s 1. The instrument’s operational choices allocate decision‑making power to ministerial appointments and to the Board and Surveyor‑General. Ministerial and professional inputs are explicit: the Minister appoints the Surveyor‑General (s 5) and Board members (s 9), while a recognised professional surveying body supplies a panel from which two Board members are selected (s 9(2)(a)). The Tribunal that hears appeals is chaired by an experienced lawyer appointed by the Attorney‑General and includes two licensed surveyors appointed by the Minister (s 40).

NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA LICENSED SURVEYORS ACT 1983 As in force at 13 September 2025 Table of provisions Part I Preliminary 1 Short title ......................................................................................... 1 2 Commencement .............................................................................. 1 3 Repeal ............................................................................................. 1 4 Definitions ........................................................................................ 1 Part II Surveyor-General 5 Surveyor-General ............................................................................ 3 6 Delegation ....................................................................................... 3 7 Acting appointment .......................................................................... 3 Part III Surveyors Board 8 Surveyors Board .............................................................................. 4 9 Composition of Board and appointment of members....................... 5 11 Period of appointment ..................................................................... 5 12 Chairperson ..................................................................................... 5 13 Resignation of members .................................................................. 5 14 Dismissal of members ..................................................................... 5 15 Acting appointment .......................................................................... 6 16 Powers and functions of Board ........................................................ 6 17 Meeting of Board ............................................................................. 6 18 Delegation by Board ........................................................................ 7 19 Liability for acts of Board, &c. .......................................................... 7 20 Setting of fees.................................................................................. 8 21 Annual report ................................................................................... 8 Part IV Registration and qualifications 22 Register ........................................................................................... 8 23 Application for registration ............................................................... 8 24 Registration ..................................................................................... 8 25 Qualification for registration ............................................................. 9 26 Examinations ................................................................................. 10 27 Reciprocal arrangements............................................................... 10 28 Payment of annual registration fee ................................................ 10 29 Notice of decision to refuse registration ......................................... 11 30 Proof of registration ....................................................................... 11 31 Fraudulent registration ................................................................... 11 32 Alteration of Register ..................................................................... 11

Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 ii 33 Cancellation or suspension of registration ..................................... 12 34 Inquiry to be held ........................................................................... 13 35 Notice of decision to reprimand, &c. .............................................. 13 36 Effect of suspension of registration................................................ 14 37 Surrender of certificate .................................................................. 14 38 Application for re-registration ......................................................... 14 Part V Appeals 40 Licensed Surveyors Appeal Tribunal ............................................. 15 41 Secretary of Tribunal ..................................................................... 15 42 Powers and procedures of Tribunal ............................................... 15 43 Appeals.......................................................................................... 16 44 Removal of suspension pending determination of appeal ............. 17 45 Action consequent on allowance of appeal ................................... 17 46 Decision of Tribunal final ............................................................... 17 Part VI Practice of land boundary surveying 46A Coordinated survey areas.............................................................. 17 47 Board may give directions ............................................................. 18 48 Unauthorized surveys etc. ............................................................. 18 Part VII Survey plans 49 Submission and approval of plan................................................... 19 50 No acceptance of survey unless plan approved etc. ..................... 20 51 Correction of survey ...................................................................... 20 Part VIII Miscellaneous 52 Legal assistance ............................................................................ 21 53 Power to summon witnesses ......................................................... 21 54 Power to examine on oath ............................................................. 21 56 Failure to attend or produce documents ........................................ 21 57 Refusal to take oath or give evidence ............................................ 21 58 Protection of witnesses .................................................................. 22 59 Fees and expenses to witnesses................................................... 22 60 Board may inspect books, &c. ....................................................... 22 61 Power of entry upon land, &c......................................................... 22 62 Destruction of survey marks .......................................................... 24 63 Evidence of certified map, &c. ....................................................... 24 64 Judicial notice ................................................................................ 24 65 Service of summons or notice ....................................................... 24 66 Regulations.................................................................................... 25

Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 iii Schedule Ordinances repealed ENDNOTES

NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA

As in force at 13 September 2025

LICENSED SURVEYORS ACT 1983 An Act to provide for the registration of land boundary surveyors and for the regulation of the practice of land boundary surveying, and for other purposes Part I Preliminary 1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Licensed Surveyors Act 1983. 2 Commencement This Act shall come into operation on a date to be fixed by the Administrator by notice in the Gazette. 3 Repeal The Ordinances specified in the Schedule are repealed. 4 Definitions In this Act: applicant means a person who applies under section 23 for registration. approved means approved by the Board. Board means the Surveyors Board of the Northern Territory of Australia established by section 8. certificate of registration means a certificate of registration issued under section 24(3). Chairperson means the Chairperson of the Board. coordinated survey area means an area of land in the Territory declared under section 46A to be a coordinated survey area. Deputy Chairperson means the Deputy Chairperson of the Board appointed under section 12(2).

Part I Preliminary Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 2 graduate surveyor means a person who possesses the approved educational qualifications for registration as a licensed surveyor but has not satisfied the Board that the person has the additional qualifications for registration referred to in section 25(1)(a). land includes land covered by water. licensed surveyor means: (a) a person whose name was immediately before the commencement of this Act entered in the Register kept under the repealed Act; or (b) a person whose name is, for the time being, entered in the Register. member means a member of the Board appointed under section 9(2) and includes a person appointed to act as a member. reciprocating board means the surveyors board or other competent authority of a reciprocating State. reciprocating State means a part of the Commonwealth or another country with the surveyors board or other competent authority of which the Board has entered into a reciprocal arrangement under section 27. Register means the Register of Licensed Surveyors kept under section 22. repealed Act means the Ordinances repealed by section 3, as in force immediately before the commencement of this Act. survey means a measurement or delimitation of land boundaries authorized or required: (a) under an Act dealing with the alienation, leasing or occupation of Crown land or land of the Crown, or affecting titles to land; (b) by the Crown or the proprietor, lessee or mortgagee of the land or a prospective proprietor, lessee or mortgagee; or (c) in connection with the dedication, reservation, resumption or disposal of land for any purpose under the authority of an Act, and includes all matters incidental to or consequent upon such measurement or delimitation.

Part II Surveyor-General Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 3 survey mark includes a beacon, concrete block, metal pin or plaque, peg, post, stone cairn or any other approved marker placed on land for the purposes of a survey or indicating a boundary. Surveyor-General means the person appointed under section 5, and includes a person appointed under section 7 to act as the Surveyor-General while so acting. Tribunal means the Licensed Surveyors Appeal Tribunal established by section 40. Note for section 4 The Interpretation Act 1978 contains definitions and other provisions that may be relevant to this Act. Part II Surveyor-General 5 Surveyor-General The Minister may, by instrument in writing, appoint a person who is a licensed surveyor to be the Surveyor-General for the Territory. 6 Delegation (1) The Surveyor-General may, by instrument in writing, delegate to a licensed surveyor any of his or her powers and functions under this or any other Act, other than the Electoral Act 2004, except this power of delegation. (2) A power or function delegated in pursuance of this section, when exercised or performed by the delegate, shall be deemed to have been exercised or performed by the Surveyor-General. (3) A delegation under this section does not prevent the exercise of a power or the performance of a function by the Surveyor-General. 7 Acting appointment (1) The Minister may appoint a licensed surveyor to act as the Surveyor-General: (a) during a vacancy in the office of Surveyor-General, whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office; or (b) during a period, or during all periods, when the Surveyor-General is absent from duty or from the Territory or is, for any reason, unable to perform the functions of his or her office,

Part III Surveyors Board Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 4 but a person appointed to act during a vacancy shall not continue so to act for a period in excess of 12 months. (2) The appointment of a person under subsection (1) may be expressed to have effect only in such circumstances as are specified in the instrument of appointment. (3) Where a person is acting as the Surveyor-General in accordance with this section and the office of Surveyor-General becomes vacant while that person is so acting then, subject to subsection (2), that person may continue so to act until the Minister otherwise directs, the vacancy is filled or a period of 12 months from the date on which the vacancy occurred expires, whichever first occurs. (4) The Minister may, at any time, terminate the appointment of a person appointed to act in accordance with this section. (5) The appointment of a person under this section ceases to have effect if he or she resigns his or her appointment by writing signed by him or her and delivered to the Minister. (6) The validity of anything done by a person purporting to act under subsection (1) shall not be called in question on the ground that the occasion for his or her appointment had not arisen, that there is a defect or irregularity in or in connection with his or her appointment, that the appointment had ceased to have effect or that the occasion for him or her to act had not arisen or had ceased. Part III Surveyors Board 8 Surveyors Board (1) There is established by this Act a board by the name of the Surveyors Board of the Northern Territory of Australia. (2) The Board: (a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession; (b) shall have a common seal; and (c) is capable, in its corporate name, of suing and being sued. (3) All courts, judges and persons acting judicially shall take judicial notice of the common seal of the Board affixed to a document and shall presume that it was duly affixed.

Part III Surveyors Board Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 5 9 Composition of Board and appointment of members (1) The Board consists of the Surveyor-General and 4 members. (2) The Minister must, by Gazette notice, appoint the following to be the members of the Board: (a) 2 persons from a panel of 3 licensed surveyors nominated by a recognised professional surveying body representing land boundary surveyors in the Territory; (b) 2 other licensed surveyors. (3) The exercise of a power or the performance of a function of the Board is not affected by reason only of there being a vacancy in the membership of the Board. 11 Period of appointment A member: (a) holds office for the period, not exceeding 4 years, specified in the instrument of appointment; and (b) is eligible for re-appointment. 12 Chairperson (1) The Surveyor-General is to be the Chairperson of the Board. (2) The Board must appoint one of its members to be the Deputy Chairperson of the Board. 13 Resignation of members A member may resign his or her office by writing signed by him or her and delivered to the Minister. 14 Dismissal of members (1) The Minister may terminate the appointment of a member for inability, inefficiency, misbehaviour or physical or mental incapacity. (2) Where a member: (a) is absent, except on leave granted by the Board, from 2 consecutive meetings of the Board;

Part III Surveyors Board Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 6 (b) becomes bankrupt, applies to take the benefit of a law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds with his or her creditors or makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for their benefit; or (c) is convicted, whether in the Territory or elsewhere, of an offence punishable by imprisonment for 12 months or longer or of any offence which, in the opinion of the Board, renders him or her unfit to practise as a licensed surveyor, the Minister shall terminate the appointment of the member. 15 Acting appointment (1) Where a member is or is expected to be absent from duty as a member (including where he or she is or is expected to be acting as the Surveyor-General) or from the Territory or is for any reason temporarily unable to perform the duties of his or her office, the Minister may appoint a licensed surveyor to act as a member during the absence or temporary inability. (2) The Minister may, at any time, terminate an appointment made under this section. (3) The validity of a decision of the Board shall not be questioned in any proceedings on a ground arising from the fact that the occasion for the appointment of a person purporting to be appointed under this section had not arisen or that an appointment under this section had ceased to have effect. 16 Powers and functions of Board The Board has such powers and functions as are given to or imposed on it by or under this or any other Act of the Territory. 17 Meeting of Board (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Chairperson shall, by reasonable notice given to all members, call such meetings of the Board as are necessary for the exercise of its powers and the performance of its functions, but so that the interval between one meeting and the next does not exceed 12 months. (2) At any time: (a) the Minister may direct; or (b) a majority of the members may request,

Part III Surveyors Board Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 7 the Chairperson to convene a meeting of the Board and the Chairperson shall convene a meeting in accordance with the direction of the Minister or may convene a meeting in accordance with the request of the members. (3) At a meeting of the Board: (a) the Chairperson or, in the absence of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson and 2 members constitute a quorum; (b) questions arising shall be determined by a majority of the votes of the Chairperson and members present and voting; (c) the Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson presiding has a deliberative vote and, in the event of an equality of votes, also has a casting vote; and (d) subject to this Act, the Board shall determine the procedure to be followed at or in connection with the meeting. (4) The Board shall keep records of its meetings. 18 Delegation by Board (1) The Board may, by instrument in writing, delegate to the Chairperson or a member any of its powers and functions under this Act, other than this power of delegation. (2) A power or function delegated under this section, when exercised or performed by the delegate, shall, for the purposes of this Act, be deemed to have been exercised or performed by the Board. (3) A delegation under this section does not prevent the exercise of a power or the performance of a function by the Board. 19 Liability for acts of Board, &c. Where the Board, the Chairperson or a member commits an act or makes an omission in good faith: (a) in the exercise or purported exercise of a power; or (b) in the performance or purported performance of a function, under this Act for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions or objects of this Act, or for discharging an obligation placed on the Board, the Chairperson or a member by this Act, no action, claim or demand, either civil or criminal, in respect of that act or omission lies, or shall be commenced or allowed, against the Territory, the Board, the Chairperson or a member.

Part IV Registration and qualifications Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 8 20 Setting of fees Subject to sections 26 and 28 and the Regulations, the Board may, by notice in the Gazette, prescribe the fees payable in respect of any application to, or matter or thing required by or under this Act to be done by or in relation to, the Board or the Tribunal, and a fee so set shall be payable accordingly. 21 Annual report (1) At the end of each financial year, the Board must prepare a report on its operations during that financial year. (2) The Board must give the report to the Minister within 6 months after the end of that financial year or another period specified by the Minister. (3) The Minister must table a copy of the report in the Legislative Assembly within 6 sitting days after the Minister receives the report. Part IV Registration and qualifications 22 Register (1) The Board shall keep a register to be known as the Register of Licensed Surveyors. (2) The Board shall, as soon as practicable after 1 January in each year, publish in the Gazette the name, and address referred to in section 24(1)(a) and (b), of each licensed surveyor, as at that date. 23 Application for registration (1) A person may apply in the approved form to be registered as a licensed surveyor. (2) An application under subsection (1) shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. 24 Registration (1) Where the Board has received an application for registration and the prescribed fee, and has authorized the registration of the applicant as a licensed surveyor, it shall, subject to section 39, cause to be entered in the Register: (a) the applicant's name;

Part IV Registration and qualifications Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 9 (b) his or her professional address or addresses, if any, in the Territory or, if he or she has no such professional address, his or her place of residence, whether in the Territory or elsewhere; (c) particulars of his or her qualifications; (d) the registration number allotted to him or her; (e) the date of his or her registration; and (f) such other particulars, if any, as are prescribed. (2) An entry in the Register shall be signed by the Chairperson or the Deputy Chairperson. (3) Where a person is registered as a licensed surveyor the Board shall cause to be issued to him or her a certificate of registration, under the hand of the Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson. 25 Qualification for registration (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Board shall authorize the registration of a person as a licensed surveyor if he or she satisfies the Board that he or she is a fit and proper person to be so registered and: (a) he or she has approved educational qualifications and: (i) has completed, in accordance with the directions of the Board, approved training and field service with a licensed surveyor; or (ii) has completed training and field service outside the Territory which, by itself or together with further training or field service in the Territory, is, in the opinion of the Board, equivalent to the training and field service referred to in subparagraph (i), and has passed such examinations, if any, as are required by the Board; (b) he or she is registered, licensed or authorized to practise as a surveyor of land boundaries by a reciprocating board; or (c) he or she holds a letter of accreditation issued by a reciprocating board certifying that he or she is qualified, under the relevant law, to be registered, licensed or authorized to practise as a surveyor of land boundaries.

Part IV Registration and qualifications Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 10 (2) The Board may require an applicant for registration to attend personally before it and, if he or she fails to attend as required, may refuse to authorize his or her registration. 26 Examinations (1) For the purpose of determining whether an applicant for registration is qualified to be registered as a licensed surveyor, the Board may conduct such examinations, either written or oral, as it thinks fit and for that purpose may appoint examiners and supervisors of examinations and pay to them such fees as are approved. (2) An application to sit for an examination referred to in subsection (1) shall be in the approved form and be accompanied by the approved fee. 27 Reciprocal arrangements The Board may enter into a reciprocal arrangement with a surveyors board or other competent authority in any part of the Commonwealth or another country, for the recognition of the status of a person registered, licensed or authorized by the surveyors board or other competent authority to practise as a surveyor of land boundaries in that part of the Commonwealth or other country, and for his or her registration as a licensed surveyor under this Act. 28 Payment of annual registration fee (1) A licensed surveyor shall, before 1 December in each year, pay to the Board the prescribed annual registration fee for the ensuing year of registration commencing 1 January and ending 31 December. (2) If a licensed surveyor fails to pay the prescribed annual registration fee for the ensuing year of registration before the commencement of that year of registration the Board may remove his or her name from the Register. (3) A person whose name has been removed under subsection (2) from the Register may apply to the Board to have his or her name restored to the Register and, on payment of the prescribed fee and any prescribed annual registration fee remaining unpaid by him or her as the Board thinks fit, the Board may restore his or her name accordingly. (4) Subject to the Regulations, the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, prescribe fees for the purposes of this section.

Part IV Registration and qualifications Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 11 29 Notice of decision to refuse registration Where the Board refuses to authorize the registration of a person as a licensed surveyor, it shall: (a) record the reasons for its decision; (b) serve on the applicant personally or by posting it by prepaid letter addressed to him or her at the address shown as his or her address in the application, within 7 days after so deciding, notice of its decision; and (c) if the applicant so requests, supply him or her with a copy of its reasons. 30 Proof of registration (1) A certificate of registration is evidence that the person specified in the certificate was registered under this Act on the date specified in the certificate. (2) A document purporting to be a certificate under the hand of the Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson and stating that a person was or was not registered on the date or dates or during the period mentioned in the document is, in all courts and before all persons and bodies authorized to receive evidence, evidence of the matter so stated. 31 Fraudulent registration A person shall not, in connection with an application for registration under this Act, make a false or misleading statement or produce a false certificate, testimonial or other document. Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months. 32 Alteration of Register The Board shall cause to be removed from the Register the name of a licensed surveyor who dies or who requests his or her name to be removed and may cause to be made such alterations to the particulars recorded in the Register as are necessary.

Part IV Registration and qualifications Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 12 33 Cancellation or suspension of registration (1) Subject to section 34, the Board may order the removal from the Register of the name of a licensed surveyor: (a) whose registration has been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation; (b) who is found guilty, whether in the Territory or elsewhere, of an offence which, in the opinion of the Board, renders him or her unfit to practise as a licensed surveyor; (c) who is found guilty of an offence against this Act; (d) who is found guilty of an offence against any other law in force in the Territory relating to the duties and functions of licensed surveyors or matters incidental to surveys; (e) whose name is, otherwise than for non-payment of fees or at his or her own request, removed from a register of surveyors, or like records, kept by a reciprocating board; (f) who becomes of unsound mind; (g) who in the opinion of the Board is guilty of: (i) habitual drunkenness or addiction to a narcotic drug; (ii) allowing a person, other than a licensed surveyor or a person employed under his or her direct supervision, to practise in his or her name as a licensed surveyor; or (iii) directly or indirectly giving or offering or agreeing to give or offer to a person a valuable consideration for securing or attempting to secure for the licensed surveyor employment or work as a licensed surveyor; (h) who certifies to the accuracy of a survey knowing it to be inaccurate; (j) who wilfully or by culpable negligence or through incompetence makes, or causes to be made under his or her supervision, a survey that is so inaccurate or defective as to be unreliable; or (k) who contravenes, or fails to comply with, a direction given under section 47 by the Board.

Part IV Registration and qualifications Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 13 (2) The Board may, instead of ordering the removal of the name of a licensed surveyor from the Register on a ground referred to in subsection (1)(c), (d), (g), (h), (j) or (k), reprimand him or her or suspend his or her registration for a period, not exceeding 3 years, as it thinks fit. (3) Where the entitlement of a licensed surveyor to practise in a reciprocating State or another Territory of the Commonwealth is suspended, the Board may suspend his or her registration for a period not extending beyond the period of suspension imposed by the reciprocating board. 34 Inquiry to be held (1) Before taking action under section 33(1)(a), (b), (f), (g), (h), (j) or (k) in relation to a licensed surveyor, the Board shall, as soon as practicable, hold an inquiry after giving not less than 10 days notice to the licensed surveyor of the matters to be inquired into and of the time and place at which the inquiry is to be held. (2) At an inquiry under subsection (1) the licensed surveyor may be represented by a legal practitioner or an agent, who may examine witnesses and address the Board on the licensed surveyor's behalf. (3) In conducting an inquiry under subsection (1) the Board is not bound by rules of evidence or legal procedure, but may inform itself in such manner as it thinks fit. (4) Pending the holding of an inquiry under subsection (1), the Board may, if it appears to it that the circumstances justify it in so doing, suspend the registration of the licensed surveyor. 35 Notice of decision to reprimand, &c. Where the Board reprimands a licensed surveyor, suspends his or her registration or orders the removal from the Register of his or her name, the Board shall: (a) record the reasons for its decision; (b) serve on the licensed surveyor, within 7 days after so deciding, notice of its decision; and (c) supply him or her with a copy of those reasons.

Part IV Registration and qualifications Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 14 36 Effect of suspension of registration (1) A person whose registration as a licensed surveyor is suspended shall, during the period for which the registration is suspended, be deemed to be a person who is not registered as a licensed surveyor under this Act. (2) The Board may, by notice in writing, remove a suspension referred to in subsection (1) from a date specified in the notice. (3) Where the Board removes under subsection (2) a suspension, the Board shall forthwith return the certificate of registration surrendered under section 37. 37 Surrender of certificate (1) Where the Board orders the removal from the Register of the name of a licensed surveyor or the suspension of his or her registration, it may, by notice in writing, require him or her, within 14 days after the service on him or her of the notice, to deliver his or her certificate of registration to the Board. (2) A person referred to in subsection (1) shall not fail to comply with a notice served on him or her under that subsection. Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units and 2 penalty units for each day during which the offence continues. (3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (2) if the defendant satisfies the court that: (a) the certificate has been destroyed; or (b) after diligent search, he or she has been unable to find the certificate. 38 Application for re-registration (1) A person whose name has been removed from the Register in pursuance of section 33 may again apply for registration as a licensed surveyor. (2) The Board may, in its discretion, authorize the registration of an applicant referred to in subsection (1) or refuse to authorize the registration.

Part V Appeals Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 15 Part V Appeals 40 Licensed Surveyors Appeal Tribunal (1) There is hereby established a tribunal by the name of the Licensed Surveyors Appeal Tribunal. (2) The Tribunal consists of: (a) a lawyer who has been admitted to the legal profession for at least 7 years, appointed by the Attorney-General, to be the Chairperson; and (b) 2 licensed surveyors, appointed by the Minister, neither of whom are members of the Board and one of whom is to be appointed on the nomination of a recognised professional surveying body representing land boundary surveyors in the Territory. (4) A member of the Tribunal is not civilly or criminally liable in respect of an act done or omission made by the member in good faith in carrying out a function imposed or exercising a power conferred under this Act on the member or the Tribunal. 41 Secretary of Tribunal The Minister shall appoint a person to be the secretary of the Tribunal. 42 Powers and procedures of Tribunal (1) In and in relation to an appeal under this Part the Tribunal has such powers and shall comply with such practices and procedures as are prescribed and, in the absence of a practice or procedure in relation to a particular matter or thing being prescribed, shall adopt such procedures as it thinks fit. (2) The Judges appointed under section 32(1) of the Supreme Court Act 1979 who are not additional Judges, or a majority of those Judges, may make rules, not inconsistent with this Act: (a) for regulating the practice and procedure of the Tribunal; (b) conferring on the Tribunal additional powers necessary or convenient for carrying out its functions, including the power to impose a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units for a breach of the rules; and (c) making such other provisions as are necessary or convenient for carrying into effect the provisions of this Part.

Part V Appeals Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 16 43 Appeals (1) Where the Board: (a) refuses an application for the registration of a person; (b) orders the removal from the Register of the name of a licensed surveyor; (c) reprimands a licensed surveyor; or (d) suspends, otherwise than under section 33(3), the registration of a licensed surveyor, the person or licensed surveyor may, within 21 days after the notice of the decision is served on him or her, appeal to the Tribunal against the decision of the Board by lodging with the secretary of the Tribunal an application in the prescribed form. (2) Jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals under this Part is vested in the Tribunal. (3) An appeal under this Part is in the nature of a rehearing. (4) In an appeal under this Part the Tribunal shall be bound by the rules of evidence. (5) The Board shall be the respondent in an appeal under this Part. (6) A party to an appeal under this Part may appear before the Tribunal in person or may be represented at the hearing of the appeal by a legal practitioner or an agent. (7) In an appeal under this Part the Tribunal may: (a) affirm, set aside or vary a decision appealed against; (b) give such judgment as it thinks fit; and (c) make such other order, as to costs or otherwise, as it thinks fit. (8) Where, in an appeal under this section, the Tribunal sets aside or varies a decision of the Board, the Tribunal shall set out in its decision its reasons.

Part VI Practice of land boundary surveying Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 17 44 Removal of suspension pending determination of appeal Where a person appeals under section 43(1) against the suspension of his or her registration he or she shall, from the time that the appeal is lodged with the Tribunal until the determination of the appeal, be deemed to continue to be registered as a licensed surveyor. 45 Action consequent on allowance of appeal Where the Tribunal allows an appeal under section 43, the Board shall, subject to any order of the Tribunal: (a) in a matter referred to in section 43(1)(a) – forthwith cause the appellant to be registered; (b) in a matter referred to in section 43(1)(b) – forthwith cause the name of the appellant to be restored to the Register and return his or her certificate of registration to him or her; (c) in a matter referred to in section 43(1)(c) – cause a record of the decision to be entered in the prescribed register; and (d) in a matter referred to in section 43(1)(d) – forthwith remove the suspension and return the appellant's certificate of registration to him or her, and do such other things as are necessary to give effect to the decision or the order of the Tribunal. 46 Decision of Tribunal final The decision of the Tribunal in an appeal under this Part is final and shall not be challenged in a court by prerogative writ or otherwise. Part VI Practice of land boundary surveying 46A Coordinated survey areas (1) The Surveyor-General may declare an area of land in the Territory to be a coordinated survey area. (2) A declaration under subsection (1) is to be notified in the Gazette and takes effect on the date specified in the notice. (3) A survey within a coordinated survey area is to be in accordance with an approved methodology to delimit land boundaries by geodetic coordinates or with another approved system of delimitation.

Part VI Practice of land boundary surveying Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 18 47 Board may give directions (1) The Board may give directions with respect to the practice to be followed by licensed surveyors in making land boundary surveys and preparing plans showing the results of such surveys. (2) Directions given under subsection (1) shall: (a) be notified in the Gazette; and (b) take effect on the date on which they are notified or, if another date being a date after the first-mentioned date is specified in the direction, on the date so specified. (3) A notice referred to in subsection (2)(a) shall indicate the place where copies of the directions to which it relates may be purchased or otherwise obtained. 48 Unauthorized surveys etc. (1) A person other than a licensed surveyor or a person employed under the supervision of a licensed surveyor shall not, for fee or reward, survey land boundaries in the Territory. Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units. (2) Where, by an Act or other law in force in the Territory, provision is made requiring a certificate or other document to be made or given by a licensed surveyor, a person other than a licensed surveyor shall not give or purport to give such a certificate or document. Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units. (3) A person other than a licensed surveyor shall not take, or use, either alone or in combination with any other words or letters: (a) the title of "licensed surveyor"; or (b) a name, title, addition or description (including initials or letters placed after his or her name) indicating or implying that he or she is a licensed surveyor or that he or she is authorized under this Act to survey land boundaries in the Territory. Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units. (4) Nothing in this section prevents a corporation from: (a) providing surveys of land boundaries in the Territory, or services incidental to such surveys, by an officer or employee of the corporation who is a licensed surveyor; or

Part VII Survey plans Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 19 (b) using a name, title, addition or description referred to in subsection (3)(b) if the corporation is providing surveys of land boundaries in the Territory, or services incidental to such surveys, by an officer or employee of the corporation who is a licensed surveyor. Part VII Survey plans 49 Submission and approval of plan (1) A licensed surveyor must submit to the Surveyor-General, in the prescribed manner and accompanied by the prescribed fee: (a) any plan of survey certified by the licensed surveyor that is or may be required in relation to the legal title to land or legal rights and obligations in respect of land; and (b) the data from which the plan was prepared. (2) A plan submitted under this section is to be in the prescribed format relevant to the area of land, or the coordinated survey area, within which the land boundaries delineated in the plan are situated. (3) The Surveyor-General may approve a plan submitted under this section if: (a) the plan is certified by a licensed surveyor in accordance with the practice directions given by the Board under section 47 and in force immediately before the date of approval; and (b) the Surveyor-General is satisfied in respect of the matters referred to in section 62 of the Planning Act 1999 (if applicable); and (c) the Registrar-General has given notice that the land to which the plan relates is in order for dealings under the Land Title Act 2000 (if applicable); and (d) any other requirements in respect of a particular subdivision specified under a law in force in the Territory have been complied with; and (e) any other requirements specified by the Surveyor-General in a particular case have been complied with. (3A) For subsection (3)(e), the Surveyor-General may require a licensed surveyor to submit further information or documents relevant to the Surveyor-General's consideration of approval of a plan.

Part VII Survey plans Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 20 (4) If a plan of a survey does not comply with the requirements in subsection (3), the Surveyor-General may: (a) on receipt of the prescribed fee, examine the plan; and (b) if satisfied that the plan is correct, approve it. (5) The Surveyor-General may, by notice in the Gazette, prescribe the format, manner of submitting and number of copies of plans of land boundary surveys required to be submitted under this section. (6) The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, prescribe fees for the purposes of this section. 50 No acceptance of survey unless plan approved etc. (1) The Territory is not to accept or adopt a survey unless a plan of the survey has been approved by the Surveyor-General. (2) A plan approved by the Surveyor-General, or a copy of a plan certified by the Surveyor-General to be a true copy of a plan approved by him or her, is to be accepted as correct in all questions relating to the land boundaries delineated in the plan. 51 Correction of survey (1) The Surveyor-General may give a licensed surveyor a written notice requiring the licensed surveyor to correct, at his or her own expense and within a specified time, an error or omission made in a survey certified by the licensed surveyor. (2) If a licensed surveyor given a notice under subsection (1) fails to correct the error or omission within the specified time: (a) the Surveyor-General may instruct another licensed surveyor to make the required correction; and (b) the costs incurred by the Surveyor-General in having the correction made is a debt owed to the Territory by the licensed surveyor given the notice. (3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), the Surveyor-General may, without giving notice to the licensed surveyor who certified a survey in which there is an error or omission, instruct another licensed surveyor to make the required correction. (4) The costs incurred by the Surveyor-General under subsection (3) are to be borne by the Territory.

Part VIII Miscellaneous Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 21 Part VIII Miscellaneous 52 Legal assistance The Attorney-General may appoint a legal practitioner to assist the Board at an inquiry under section 34 or in any matters before the Tribunal. 53 Power to summon witnesses The Chairperson or Chairperson of the Tribunal may, by writing under his or her hand, summon a person to attend before the Board or the Tribunal, as the case may be, at a time and place specified in the summons and then and there to give evidence and produce such books, documents or writings in his or her custody or control as he or she is required by the summons to produce. 54 Power to examine on oath A Board or the Tribunal may require a person appearing before it to give evidence on oath. 56 Failure to attend or produce documents (1) A person served with a summons to attend before the Board or the Tribunal shall not refuse or fail, without reasonable excuse, to attend in accordance with the summons or to produce books, documents or writings in his or her custody or control that he or she is required by the summons to produce. Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units. (2) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (1) if the defendant proves that the book, document or writing to which the summons relates was not relevant to the matter the subject of the proceedings of the Board or the Tribunal, as the case may be. 57 Refusal to take oath or give evidence (1) A person appearing as a witness before the Board or the Tribunal shall not refuse to take an oath when required by the Board or Tribunal to do so or to answer a question relevant to the proceedings put to him or her by a member of the Board or the Tribunal. Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.

Part VIII Miscellaneous Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 22 (2) A statement or disclosure made before the Board or the Tribunal by a witness is not, except in an appeal under Part V to the Tribunal, in the case of a statement or disclosure made before the Board or in proceedings for giving false testimony before the Board or the Tribunal, admissible in evidence against him or her in civil or criminal proceedings in a court. 58 Protection of witnesses A witness before the Board or the Tribunal has the same protection as a witness in a matter before the Supreme Court. 59 Fees and expenses to witnesses (1) A person who attends for the purpose of giving evidence before the Board or the Tribunal is entitled to receive such fees and travelling expenses in accordance with the scale in the High Court Rules as the Chairperson or Chairperson of the Tribunal, as the case may be, determines. (2) Fees and expenses payable under subsection (1) are payable: (a) if the person attended before the Board or the Tribunal, whether on summons or not, by reason of a request by a person other than the Chairperson or the Chairperson of the Tribunal or an officer of the Agency – by the person at whose request the first-mentioned person attended; or (b) in any other case – by the Territory. 60 Board may inspect books, &c. The Board may inspect books, documents or writings before it and may retain them for such reasonable period as it thinks fit and may make copies of such portions of them as are relevant to a matter before the Board. 61 Power of entry upon land, &c. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other Act, a licensed surveyor and such assistants as he or she considers necessary may, at all reasonable times, after giving notice of his or her intention so to do, enter upon land, whether the land is the land to be surveyed or other land, for the purpose of making a survey and may, for that purpose, open a fence, place a survey mark on the land and enter a building on the land to determine the position of a wall or to define a boundary.

Part VIII Miscellaneous Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 23 (2) In addition to the powers conferred by subsection (1), a licensed surveyor and his or her assistants may, with as little damage as possible, trim, lop or cut down trees or bushes that may obstruct a survey. (3) A person shall not, without reasonable cause, hinder or obstruct a licensed surveyor or his or her assistants in exercising the powers conferred by this section. Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units. (4) A licensed surveyor shall be liable to pay compensation to the owner of land entered for damage caused in the exercise of the powers conferred by this section. (5) Where, under subsection (4), the damage so caused is necessary for the purposes of the survey, the person who engaged or employed the licensed surveyor shall reimburse the licensed surveyor the amount he or she is required to pay as compensation for the damage. (6) A notice of intention to enter land under this section may be given: (a) in writing or orally to the owner personally; (b) in writing by posting it by prepaid letter addressed to the owner at his or her usual or last-known place of residence or business; or (c) in writing to a person apparently living or employed at that place of residence or business and who has apparently attained the age of 16 years. (7) In this section, owner includes: (a) in the case of land held under lease from the Territory – the person who is the lessee of the land; (b) in the case of land which is held in fee simple – the person in whom the fee simple is vested or a lessee or tenant of the land; and (c) in the case of land occupied under a tenancy from the Territory – the person who occupies the land.

Part VIII Miscellaneous Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 24 62 Destruction of survey marks (1) A person shall not, without lawful authority, destroy, obliterate, remove, injure or deface a survey mark. Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units. (2) Where a person is found guilty of an offence against subsection (1), the court may, in addition to any penalty imposed under that subsection, order him or her to pay the costs of re-establishing the survey mark so destroyed, obliterated, removed, injured or defaced. 63 Evidence of certified map, &c. In any legal proceedings under a law in force in the Territory a map, plan or copy of a map or plan relating to the Territory or a part of the Territory or a certificate relating to a location in the Territory purporting to be certified by the Surveyor-General as correct shall be accepted as evidence of the matters to which they relate without the production of original records and without the personal attendance of the Surveyor-General or proof of his or her signature. 64 Judicial notice Judicial notice shall be taken of the signature of the Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson appearing on a certificate issued under this Act or the Regulations by the Board and of the fact that the person by whom the certificate purports to have been signed was, at the time the certificate was signed, the Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson. 65 Service of summons or notice The service on a person by the Board or the Tribunal of a summons or notice under this Act shall be deemed to have been duly effected if the summons or notice is: (a) delivered to the person personally; (b) posted by prepaid letter addressed to him or her at his or her place of residence, or at his or her professional address or one of his or her professional addresses, last known to the Chairperson or Chairperson of the Tribunal, as the case may be; or (c) delivered to his or her place of residence or left at his or her professional address with a person apparently living or employed at that place and who has apparently attained the age of 16 years.

Part VIII Miscellaneous Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 25 66 Regulations The Administrator may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, prescribing all matters required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed, or necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act and, in particular, providing for and in relation to: (a) the fees, if any, payable in respect of an application, registration, certificate or other proceeding, act or thing provided for or required under this Act or the Regulations; (d) the certification of, and manner of certifying, plans of survey; (e) the registration of and manner of registering graduate surveyors and the qualifications and experience of such graduates; (f) particulars relating to a licensed surveyor which may be entered in the Register; and (g) the imposition of maximum penalties of 100 penalty units for offences against the Regulations.

Schedule Ordinances repealed Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 26 Schedule Ordinances repealed section 3 Licensed Surveyors Ordinance 1933 (No. 6 of 1933) Licensed Surveyors Ordinance 1937 (No. 6 of 1937)

ENDNOTES Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 27 ENDNOTES 1 KEY Key to abbreviations amd = amended od = order app = appendix om = omitted bl = by-law pt = Part ch = Chapter r = regulation/rule cl = clause rem = remainder div = Division renum = renumbered exp = expires/expired rep = repealed f = forms s = section Gaz = Gazette sch = Schedule hdg = heading sdiv = Subdivision ins = inserted SL = Subordinate Legislation lt = long title sub = substituted nc = not commenced 2 LIST OF LEGISLATION Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 (Act No. 49, 1983) Assent date 12 October 1983 Commenced 1 January 1984 (Gaz S41, 22 December 1983) Statute Law Revision Act (No. 2) 1987 (Act No. 59, 1987) Assent date 31 December 1987 Commenced 31 December 1987 Financial Management (Consequential Amendments) Act 1995 (Act No. 5, 1995) Assent date 21 March 1995 Commenced 1 April 1995 (s 2, s 2 Financial Management 1995 (Act No. 4, 1995) and Gaz S13, 31 March 1995) Sentencing (Consequential Amendments) Act 1996 (Act No. 17, 1996) Assent date 19 April 1996 Commenced 1 July 1996 (s 2, s 2 Sentencing Act 1995 (Act No. 39, 1995) and Gaz S15, 13 June 1996) Licensed Surveyors Amendment Act 2001 (Act No. 9, 2001) Assent date 22 June 2001 Commenced 26 September 2001 (Gaz G38, 26 September 2001, p 3) Statute Law Revision Act 2002 (Act No. 18, 2002) Assent date 7 June 2002 Commenced 7 June 2002 Statute Law Revision Act (No. 2) 2003 (Act No. 44, 2003) Assent date 7 July 2003 Commenced 7 July 2003 Electoral (Consequential Amendments) Act 2004 (Act No. 12, 2004) Assent date 1 March 2004 Commenced 15 March 2004 (s 2, s 2 Electoral Act 2004 (Act No. 11, 2004) and Gaz S6, 15 March 2004)

ENDNOTES Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 28 Legal Profession (Consequential Amendments) Act 2007 (Act No. 7, 2007) Assent date 17 May 2007 Commenced s 10: 1 July 2007 (Gaz G26, 27 June 2007, p 3); rem 17 May 2007 Oaths, Affidavits and Declarations (Consequential Amendments) Act 2010 (Act No. 40, 2010) Assent date 18 November 2010 Commenced 1 March 2011 (s 2, s 2 Oaths, Affidavits and Declarations Act 2010 (Act No. 39, 2010) and Gaz G7, 16 February 2011, p 4) Penalties Amendment (Miscellaneous) Act 2013 (Act No. 23, 2013) Assent date 12 July 2013 Commenced 28 August 2013 (Gaz G35, 28 August 2013, p 2) Statute Law Revision Act 2018 (Act No. 10, 2018) Assent date 23 May 2018 Commenced 20 June 2018 (Gaz S41, 20 June 2018) Licensed Surveyors Amendment Act 2019 (Act No. 13, 2019) Assent date 9 April 2019 Commenced 8 May 2019 (Gaz G19, 8 May 2019, p 4)) Lands, Planning and Environment Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (Act No. 25, 2025) Assent date 12 September 2025 Commenced pt 6: nc; rem: 13 September 2025 (s 2(1)) 3 GENERAL AMENDMENTS General amendments of a formal nature (which are not referred to in the table of amendments to this reprint) are made by the Interpretation Legislation Amendment Act 2018 (Act No. 22 of 2018) to: ss 1, 6, 4, 21, 42 and 49. 4 LIST OF AMENDMENTS s 4 amd No. 9, 2001, s 4; No. 10, 2018, s 6; No. 25, 2025, s 20 s 6 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11; No. 44, 2003, s 5; No. 12, 2004, s 6 s 7 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11 s 9 amd No. 10, 2018, s 6; No. 25, 2025, s 21 s 10 amd No. 10, 2018, s 6 rep No. 25, 2025, s 22 s 11 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11; No. 10, 2018, s 6 sub No. 25, 2025, s 22 s 12 sub No. 9, 2001, s 5 ss 13 – 15 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11 ss 17 – 19 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11 s 21 sub No. 5, 1995, s 19; No. 13, 2019, s 4 ss 24 – 25 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11 ss 27 – 32 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11 s 31 amd No. 23, 2013, s 12 s 33 amd No. 17, 1996, s 6; No. 9, 2001, s 11 s 35 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11 s 37 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11; No. 23, 2013, s 12 s 39 rep No. 9, 2001, s 6

ENDNOTES Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 29 s 40 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11; No. 7, 2007, s 16; No. 10, 2018, s 6; No. 25, 2025, s 24 s 42 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11; No. 23, 2013, s 12 ss 43 – 45 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11 s 46A ins No. 9, 2001, s 7 s 48 amd No. 9, 2001, s 8; No. 18, 2002, s 6; No. 23, 2013, s 12 pt VII hdg sub No. 9, 2001, s 9 s 49 amd No. 59, 1987, s 5 sub No. 9, 2001, s 9 amd No. , 2025, s 23 ss 50 – 51 sub No. 9, 2001, s 9 s 53 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11 s 54 sub No. 40, 2010, s 69 s 55 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11 rep No. 40, 2010, s 69 s 56 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11; No. 23, 2013, s 12 s 57 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11; No. 40, 2010, s 70; No. 23, 2013, s 12 s 59 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11; No. 25, 2025, s 24 s 61 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11; No. 23, 2013, s 12 s 62 amd No. 17, 1996, s 6; No. 9, 2001, s 11; No. 23, 2013, s 12 ss 63 – 65 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11 s 66 amd No. 9, 2001, s 11; No. 23, 2013, s 12 s 67 rep No. 9, 2001, s 10

1 Licensed Surveyors Act 1983

Definitions and scope: the Act defines "survey" broadly to cover measurement and delimitation of land boundaries in connection with Crown land, titles, leasing and related legal incidents (s 4). "Land" explicitly includes land covered by water (s 4). A "survey mark" is defined to include beacons, metal pins, pegs and other markers used to indicate boundaries (s 4). The Act distinguishes "licensed surveyor" from "graduate surveyor" (s 4), the latter meaning a person with approved educational qualifications who has not yet satisfied the Board’s additional requirements for full registration (s 4; see s 25 and s 66(e) for graduate registration).

Governance architecture: the Surveyor‑General is a ministerial appointment and may delegate powers to a licensed surveyor (ss 5-6). The Surveyors Board is a corporate statutory body that includes the Surveyor‑General plus four members appointed by the Minister (s 9). The Board’s membership rules require two members to be selected from a panel of three licensed surveyors nominated by a recognised professional surveying body (s 9(2)(a)), and two other licensed surveyors to be appointed directly (s 9(2)(b)). The Chairperson of the Board is the Surveyor‑General (s 12(1)), and the Board can delegate functions to the Chairperson or a member (s 18).

Registration and qualification: registration entries must record name, professional addresses, qualifications, registration number and date (s 24(1)(a)-(f)). The Board shall authorise registration where the applicant is fit and proper and either: holds approved education and completed approved training and field service (or equivalent) and has passed required examinations (s 25(1)(a)); or is registered by a reciprocating board (s 25(1)(b)); or holds a letter of accreditation from a reciprocating board (s 25(1)(c)). The Board may conduct written or oral examinations (s 26) and form reciprocal arrangements with other jurisdictions (s 27).

Practice of surveying and plans: licensed surveyors must submit certified plans and the underlying data to the Surveyor‑General in the prescribed manner and format (s 49(1)-(2)); the Surveyor‑General may approve a plan if it meets the Board’s practice directions and other statutory conditions (s 49(3)). The Territory does not accept or adopt a survey unless the plan has been approved by the Surveyor‑General (s 50). Coordinated survey areas can be declared by the Surveyor‑General and require surveys to use approved methodologies (s 46A).

Compliance and enforcement: the Board may reprimand, suspend or remove a registered surveyor for enumerated grounds (s 33). Before ordering removal for certain grounds, the Board must hold an inquiry after not less than 10 days’ notice (s 34). A person aggrieved by specific Board decisions may appeal to the Licensed Surveyors Appeal Tribunal (s 43), and an appeal is a rehearing where the Tribunal is bound by the rules of evidence (s 43(3)-(4)). The Act also creates criminal penalties for false statements in registration (s 31) and sets maximum monetary penalties (measured in penalty units) for a range of conduct (e.g. s 48, s 56, s 57, s 61, s 62).

Administrative instruments and subsidiary law: the Administrator may make regulations prescribing fees, plan certification and formats, graduate registration details, particulars to be entered in the Register and maximum penalties for regulatory breaches (s 66). The Board itself may issue practice directions for licensed surveyors (s 47), and those directions take effect on Gazette notification (s 47(2)).

Institutional protections and liabilities: the Act protects Board and Tribunal members from civil or criminal liability for acts or omissions done in good faith in exercising powers under the Act (s 19, s 40(4)). At the same time, licensed surveyors are explicitly liable for compensation for damage caused by exercise of entry powers (s 61(4)) and for costs when the Surveyor‑General instructs corrections (s 51(2)(b)).

Primary regulated persons: the Act principally regulates "licensed surveyors", defined in s 4 and kept under the Register (s 22). Licensed surveyors are subject to registration requirements (ss 23-25), fees (s 28), disciplinary processes (ss 33-37), duties to submit plans and data (s 49), and obligations to correct errors when directed (s 51). They also have rights , for example, statutory entitlements to be issued a certificate of registration (s 24(3)), to appeal Board decisions to the Tribunal (s 43) and to continue to be registered while an appeal against suspension is pending (s 44). Graduate surveyors are regulated via the Register and by the Regulations for particulars and graduate registration (s 4; s 66(e)).

Employers and corporations: corporations may provide surveying services only when the surveying work is provided by an officer or employee who is a licensed surveyor (s 48(4)). Corporations therefore are indirectly affected: they must ensure that officers or employees conducting surveys are licensed and supervised; otherwise the corporation risks contravening s 48. The Act also makes the engaging party responsible for reimbursing the licensed surveyor for compensation the surveyor must pay in some circumstances (s 61(5)).

Landowners and occupiers: landowners and occupiers are affected by the Act’s entry powers and duties. Licensed surveyors may enter land for survey purposes after giving notice (s 61(1)); they may open fences, place survey marks and enter buildings to determine boundaries (s 61(1)). Owners may be liable to compensation if damage is caused (s 61(4)), and they are prohibited from obstructing surveyors (s 61(3)). The Act defines "owner" broadly for these purposes (s 61(7)). Landowners are also affected by the legal consequence that the Territory will not accept a survey unless the plan has been approved by the Surveyor‑General (s 50), which affects transactional certainty for dealings in land.

Government and public agencies: the Surveyor‑General (a ministerial appointee, s 5), the Board (ss 8-19) and the Registrar‑General have formal roles. The Surveyor‑General approves plans (s 49) and may declare coordinated survey areas (s 46A). The Board sets practice directions (s 47), fees (s 20) and conducts inquiries (s 34). The Registrar‑General is referenced in the plan approval criteria (s 49(3)(c)), establishing an interface between surveying regulation and land‑titles administration.

Consumers and third parties of surveying services: persons who rely on survey plans in land transactions are indirectly affected by the scheme that makes an approved plan conclusive for boundary questions when certified by the Surveyor‑General (s 50). Third parties who purchase or otherwise rely on surveying services get an element of legal certainty because plans approved under s 49 are to be accepted as correct in all questions relating to the boundaries delineated (s 50(2)).

Legal and professional representatives: the Tribunal is chaired by a lawyer appointed by the Attorney‑General (s 40(2)(a)). Licensed surveyors have the right to legal representation at Board inquiries (s 34(2)) and to be represented before the Tribunal (s 43(6)). The Attorney‑General may appoint legal assistance for Board inquiries (s 52).

The general public: the Act sets criminal and civil penalties for unauthorised surveys, use of the title "licensed surveyor" by unqualified persons and destruction of survey marks (s 48(1)-(3), s 62(1)). This affects members of the public who might otherwise engage unlicensed practitioners, as well as those who might tamper with survey marks.

Registration duties and pathways: Applicants must apply in the approved form and pay the prescribed fee for registration (s 23(1)-(2)). The Board must enter authorised registrants in the Register and issue a certificate of registration (s 24(1)-(3)). The Board is required to authorise registration when the applicant is a fit and proper person and meets qualification pathways: approved education plus approved training and field service (s 25(1)(a)), registration/licensing by a reciprocating board (s 25(1)(b)) or an accreditation letter from a reciprocating board (s 25(1)(c)). The Board may require an applicant to attend in person and may refuse registration if they fail to attend (s 25(2)).

Submission and plan duties: A licensed surveyor must submit to the Surveyor‑General, in the prescribed manner and with the prescribed fee, any plan of survey that is or may be required in relation to legal title or rights in land and the data from which the plan was prepared (s 49(1)). Plans must follow the prescribed format relevant to the area or coordinated survey area (s 49(2)). The Surveyor‑General may require further information as part of plan consideration (s 49(3A)). The Surveyor‑General may examine plans on receipt of the prescribed fee and approve them if satisfied (s 49(4)). The Territory will not accept a survey unless its plan has been approved by the Surveyor‑General (s 50(1)), and an approved plan or a certified copy is to be accepted as correct in boundary questions (s 50(2)).

Professional practice directions: The Board may give directions about surveying practice and plan preparation (s 47(1)). Directions must be notified in the Gazette and take effect on the date notified or a later specified date, and the Gazette notice must indicate where copies may be obtained (s 47(2)-(3)). Compliance with directions is mandatory: contravention or failure to comply with a direction is a ground for disciplinary action (s 33(1)(k)).

Correction powers and costs: The Surveyor‑General may issue a written notice requiring a licensed surveyor to correct an error or omission in a certified survey at the surveyor’s expense and within a specified time (s 51(1)). If the surveyor fails to comply, the Surveyor‑General may instruct another licensed surveyor to correct it and recover the costs from the original surveyor as a debt (s 51(2)). The Surveyor‑General may also correct without notice, in which case the Territory bears the costs (s 51(3)-(4)).

Entry powers and compensatory obligations: Licensed surveyors, after giving notice, may enter land at reasonable times, open fences, place survey marks and enter buildings to determine boundary positions (s 61(1)). They may trim or cut vegetation that obstructs a survey (s 61(2)). A licensed surveyor must pay compensation for damage caused in exercising these powers (s 61(4)); where such damage was necessary for the survey, the person who engaged the surveyor must reimburse the surveyor (s 61(5)). Notice of intended entry may be given personally, by post or to a person apparently living at the residence (s 61(6)).

Use of title and unauthorised practice: Only licensed surveyors may hold themselves out as "licensed surveyor" or use descriptive initials implying they are a licensed surveyor (s 48(3)). A person other than a licensed surveyor who, for fee or reward, surveys land boundaries commits an offence (s 48(1)). A person other than a licensed surveyor is prohibited from giving certificates or documents required by law to be made by a licensed surveyor (s 48(2)). Corporations may provide surveying services only by a licensed surveyor employee or officer (s 48(4)).

Disciplinary hearings and procedural rights: The Board must hold an inquiry with at least 10 days’ notice before removing a registrant on enumerated grounds (s 34(1)). The registrant may be represented by a legal practitioner or agent, who may examine witnesses and address the Board (s 34(2)). During inquiries the Board is not bound by rules of evidence (s 34(3)). When the Board reprimands, suspends or removes a registrant it must record reasons and serve notice within 7 days and supply a copy of its reasons on request (s 35).

Appeal rights: Persons affected by specified Board decisions (refusal to register, removal, reprimand, suspension other than ss 33(3)) may appeal to the Tribunal within 21 days of service of the decision (s 43(1)). An appeal is a rehearing (s 43(3)), is bound by rules of evidence (s 43(4)), and the Tribunal may affirm, set aside or vary the Board’s decision and make other orders including costs (s 43(7)). The decision of the Tribunal is final and not subject to prerogative writ or other challenge (s 46).

Protections for participants: Board and Tribunal members are protected from civil and criminal liability for acts or omissions done in good faith in exercising functions under the Act (s 19; s 40(4)). Witnesses have the same protection as in Supreme Court matters (s 58) and statements made before the Board are generally not admissible in other proceedings, with enumerated exceptions (s 57(2)).

Monetary fines and imprisonment: The Act uses penalty units and imprisonment penalties to enforce compliance. Specific provisions include: fraudulent registration (making a false statement or producing false documents in connection with registration) carries a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months (s 31). Failure to surrender a certificate when ordered has a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units and a continuing penalty of 2 penalty units per day (s 37(2)). Several provisions set maximum penalties of 100 penalty units, for example refusal to attend or produce documents when summoned (s 56(1)), refusal to take an oath or answer a relevant question before the Board or Tribunal (s 57(1)), obstruction of a surveyor exercising entry powers (s 61(3)) and destruction of a survey mark (s 62(1)). Section 48 sets higher maximum penalties (expressed in ss 48(1)-(3)) for unauthorised surveying and false impersonation: unauthorised surveying for fee or reward carries a maximum penalty of 500 penalty units (s 48(1)); giving a professional certificate required by law if not a licensed surveyor is likewise subject to 500 penalty units (s 48(2)); using the title "licensed surveyor" or equivalent if unlicensed attracts 500 penalty units (s 48(3)). The Regulations may also prescribe offences with maximum penalties up to 100 penalty units (s 66(g)).

Administrative sanctions: The Board may order removal of a person's name from the Register (s 33(1)) or instead reprimand or suspend registration for specified grounds (s 33(2)). Suspension renders a person for the suspension period "deemed to be a person who is not registered" (s 36(1)), with the Board empowered to remove suspension from a specified date (s 36(2)). The Board may, during investigations or before inquiries, suspend registration where circumstances justify it (s 34(4)). The Board must record reasons for a refusal to authorise registration and supply those reasons on request (s 29). Where the Tribunal allows an appeal, the Board must give effect by registering the appellant or restoring their name and returning certificates (s 45).

Debt recovery and compensation: The Surveyor‑General’s correction powers include debt recovery: if a surveyor fails to correct an error within the required time, the Surveyor‑General may instruct another licensed surveyor to make the correction, and the costs incurred become a debt owed to the Territory by the original surveyor (s 51(2)(b)). Where the Surveyor‑General corrects without notice, the Territory bears the costs (s 51(3)-(4)). Licensed surveyors are liable to pay compensation to owners for damage caused by exercise of entry powers (s 61(4)). The Act permits the court, on conviction for destruction of survey marks, to order payment of re‑establishment costs in addition to any penalty (s 62(2)).

Enforcement actors and procedures: Enforcement actions are administered by the Board (discipline and registration) and the Surveyor‑General (plan approval and correction powers). The Board holds inquiries (s 34), may summon witnesses and examine them on oath (ss 53-54), and may retain and copy documents (s 60). Failure to comply with summons or to give evidence attracts criminal penalties (ss 56-57). Complaints and investigations may be informed by the Registrar‑General’s notices where plan approval depends on land being in order for dealings under the Land Title Act 2000 (s 49(3)(c)).

Appeals and finality: The Licensed Surveyors Appeal Tribunal rehears appeals from listed Board decisions (s 43). The Tribunal is bound by rules of evidence (s 43(4)) and may make any order it thinks fit, including costs (s 43(7)). The Tribunal’s decision is final and not subject to challenge in court by prerogative writ or otherwise (s 46). Where an appeal is lodged against a suspension, the appellant remains deemed to be registered during the appeal period (s 44), which can mitigate the immediate impact of suspension pending determination.

Sanctions design and incentives: The mix of administrative suspensions, monetary penalties and debt recovery creates layered incentives. For surveyors, there are reputational and financial costs to errors and non‑compliance (s 51), criminal and monetary penalties for false registration or impersonation (s 31; s 48), and obligations to surrender certificates under certain disciplinary actions (s 37). For third parties, prohibitions and fines (s 48) raise the cost of engaging unlicensed practitioners. For landowners, the right to compensation and the criminal prohibition on obstruction create an incentive to facilitate lawful surveys (s 61(4), s 61(3)).

Land title and planning statutes: The Act cross‑references the Planning Act 1999 and the Land Title Act 2000 in plan approval criteria. The Surveyor‑General may approve a plan only if satisfied of the matters in s 62 of the Planning Act 1999 where applicable (s 49(3)(b)) and if the Registrar‑General has notified that the land is in order for dealings under the Land Title Act 2000 (s 49(3)(c)). Those references make plan approval a coordination point between surveying regulation, planning approvals and land‑titles administration. The Surveyor‑General’s approval therefore acts as an administrative gate that depends on other statutory certifications.

Electoral Act exemption: Delegation by the Surveyor‑General may cover powers under this and other Acts except the Electoral Act 2004 and except the power of delegation itself (s 6(1)). The Act thus preserves the Surveyor‑General’s direct role in electoral matters and excludes delegation for that specific domain.

Interpretation and subsidiary instruments: The Act refers to the Interpretation Act 1978 for general interpretative provisions (note to s 4). The Administrator may make Regulations that supplement and elaborate on registration particulars, plan certification, graduate registration, fees and penalties (s 66). The Board issues practice directions that take effect on Gazette notice (s 47). Fees and procedural matters are therefore carried partly in regulation and partly in Board directions, creating a layered compliance architecture.

Reciprocity and interstate/overseas recognition: The Board may enter into reciprocal arrangements with surveyors’ boards or competent authorities elsewhere in the Commonwealth or another country for recognition of registration or accreditation (s 27). This provides a legal pathway that links the Territory’s licensing to other jurisdictions but leaves the terms to Board negotiation.

Criminal law and courts: The Act creates offences with monetary and custodial penalties (e.g. s 31). Courts can also order compensatory remedies where survey marks are destroyed (s 62(2)). The Act provides judicial notice for signatures of the Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson on certificates (s 64), and permits certified maps or plans purporting to be certified by the Surveyor‑General to be accepted in legal proceedings without producing originals or the Surveyor‑General in person (s 63).

Administrative law interfaces and review: The Act creates administrative decision‑making by the Board and Surveyor‑General, with an internal appeal route to a specialist Tribunal (Part V). The Tribunal’s rehearing power and finality provision (ss 43-46) define the internal review route; the Act prohibits subsequent challenge by prerogative writ (s 46). The Act also imposes procedural protections for disciplinary inquiries (s 34) and provides rights to representation and confidentiality of Board statements (s 57(2)).

Employment and corporate law: Corporations may provide surveying services only through licensed officers or employees (s 48(4)), connecting registration law to corporate responsibility. Where the person who engages a surveyor is required to reimburse the surveyor for compensation paid to an owner, s 61(5) creates a contractual/indemnity-like obligation between the engager and the surveyor.

The Act has a history of targeted amendments listed in the endnotes and the Schedule. Notable legislative changes recorded in the text you supplied include:

Original enactment and commencement: Licensed Surveyors Act 1983 (Act No. 49, 1983). Assent 12 October 1983; commenced 1 January 1984 (Endnotes, list of legislation).
Statute Law Revision and consequential amendment Acts: various formal and consequential changes occurred through the Statute Law Revision Acts (No. 2) 1987; 2002; 2003; 2018 (Endnotes, list).
Financial and sentencing consequential amendments: Financial Management (Consequential Amendments) Act 1995 and Sentencing (Consequential Amendments) Act 1996 made amendments that affected the Act’s operations and penalties (Endnotes list).
Licensed Surveyors Amendment Act 2001 (Act No. 9, 2001): multiple sections across the Act were amended by Act No. 9 of 2001 (Endnotes list and table of amendments shows numerous s references with "amd No. 9, 2001").
Penalties Amendment (Miscellaneous) Act 2013 (Act No. 23, 2013): amended penalty provisions including s 31 and other sections (Endnotes "s 31 amd No. 23, 2013, s 12"; "s 62 amd ... No. 23, 2013, s 12").
Legal Profession (Consequential Amendments) Act 2007 and Oaths, Affidavits and Declarations (Consequential Amendments) Act 2010 effected changes to judicial notice, oath provisions and cross‑references (Endnotes).
Statute Law Revision Act 2018 (Act No. 22 of 2018) made formal amendments to s 1, s 6, s 4, s 21, s 42 and s 49 (Endnotes 3).
Licensed Surveyors Amendment Act 2019 (Act No. 13, 2019): recorded as amending s 21 (Endnotes).
Lands, Planning and Environment Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (Act No. 25, 2025): assent 12 September 2025; the endnotes indicate certain sections were amended or substituted by this 2025 Act (for example s 4, s 9, s 11, s 40) and some subsections were not commenced (Endnotes list notes "pt 6: nc; rem: 13 September 2025" and specific s references appear in the list of amendments). The reprint notes that s 49 was amended by "No. , 2025, s 23" and reissue indicates further edits tied to 2025 amendments (Endnotes list).

The endnotes provide a mapped list of which sections were amended by which amending Act. For example, the list shows s 6 was amended by No. 9, 2001 and No. 44, 2003 and No. 12, 2004; s 9 was amended by No. 10, 2018 and No. 25, 2025 (Endnotes 4). The Schedule repealed the prior Licensed Surveyors Ordinances of 1933 and 1937 (Schedule).

The amendments reflect recurring themes: modernising procedure and evidence, updating penalty frameworks, aligning language with other Territory reforms (e.g. interpretations and oaths), enabling coordinated surveys (s 46A insertion No. 9, 2001), and most recently legislative changes in 2025 that touch membership and other points. The Act as reprinted at the date supplied incorporates those amending Acts where commenced; the endnotes indicate which parts of more recent amending Acts might be non‑commenced at the date of the reprint.

Mechanically, the amendment pattern shows the Act has been adjusted in response to administrative and technical needs (fees, evidence, oath processes, Tribunal practice) and to align with broader statutory frameworks (planning, land title, financial management). The Act’s core architecture (Board, Surveyor‑General, Register, Tribunal, plan approval) remains, but specifics , for example the insertion of coordinated survey areas (s 46A) and changes to Board composition (s 9) , have been layered in.

The reprinted Act and the material you supplied do not cite any judicial decisions or litigated precedents arising from the Act. The statute itself provides the internal adjudicative path for disputes involving registration and discipline: the Board conducts inquiries (s 34) and the Licensed Surveyors Appeal Tribunal rehears listed Board decisions (s 43), with the Tribunal’s decision stated to be final and not challengeable in court by prerogative writ or otherwise (s 46). The Tribunal is intended to be the specialist decision‑maker for appeals under the Act (s 40-46).

Legal remedies and court interaction are nevertheless contemplated: the Act allows for criminal prosecutions for statutory offences (for example s 31, s 48, s 56) that would be dealt with in the courts, and courts retain powers to order compensation for re‑establishing survey marks where a person is convicted under s 62(2). The Act confers judicial notice of Board seals and signatures (s 8(3), s 64) and permits certified maps and plans to be admitted as evidence without originals or personal attendance of the Surveyor‑General (s 63).

Because the Act limits post‑Tribunal judicial review by barring challenge by prerogative writ or otherwise (s 46), the practical litigation history relevant to Board decisions will chiefly be found in criminal or civil proceedings arising from offences in the Act, or in judicial review challenges initiated in domains not barred by s 46 (for example challenges to the Tribunal’s jurisdiction or to actions outside the Tribunal’s statutory scope). None of those cases are named in the Act text you supplied, so this note does not identify reported cases.

Practitioners should expect the Tribunal to be the initial forum for administrative disputes about registration, discipline and suspension, with criminal prosecutions and civil compensation claims proceeding in the ordinary courts as required by the offences and compensatory provisions of the Act.

Deadlines and timing traps: Annual registration fees are due before 1 December for the ensuing calendar year (s 28(1)). Failure to pay before the commencement of the year allows the Board to remove the surveyor’s name from the Register (s 28(2)). Restoration is discretionary and conditional on payment of prescribed fees (s 28(3)). Appeals against most Board decisions must be lodged within 21 days of service of the decision (s 43(1)). The Board must give not less than 10 days’ notice for disciplinary inquiries for certain serious grounds (s 34(1)). Surrender of a certificate is required within 14 days of a removal or suspension notice (s 37(1)) and continuing failure to surrender attracts a daily continuing penalty (s 37(2)).

Title and impersonation prohibitions are broad: s 48(3) bars any person other than a licensed surveyor from using the title "licensed surveyor" or any words, letters or initials indicating they are a licensed surveyor. Corporations may still provide surveys but only through an officer or employee who is a licensed surveyor (s 48(4)). A failure to comply risks a maximum penalty of 500 penalty units (s 48(3)). The statutory definition of "survey" in s 4 is wide and ties surveying activity to multiple legal contexts, so activities that a practitioner or client treats as peripheral may still attract the Act’s prohibitions and penalties.

Plan submission and format: s 49(1) requires submission of any plan of survey that is or may be required in relation to legal title or rights, and the data from which the plan was prepared. Prescribed formats apply (s 49(2)) and the Surveyor‑General may require further information (s 49(3A)). Failure to comply with format, data submission or additional requests can delay approval and thereby delay land dealings, because the Territory will not accept a survey unless the plan is approved by the Surveyor‑General (s 50(1)). The Act’s dependence on the Registrar‑General’s "in order for dealings" notice (s 49(3)(c)) is another source of transactional delay.

Correction notices and cost exposure: The Surveyor‑General may require a surveyor to correct errors at the surveyor’s expense within a specified time (s 51(1)). If the surveyor fails to comply, the Surveyor‑General may instruct another licensed surveyor to correct the error and the original surveyor becomes liable for the costs as a debt to the Territory (s 51(2)(b)). Separately, the Surveyor‑General may correct without notice and those costs are borne by the Territory (s 51(3)-(4)) , which creates an asymmetry: remediation carried out for speed by the Surveyor‑General protects public interests at public expense, whereas delayed compliance by a surveyor transfers a cost as a recoverable debt.

Board discretion over "fit and proper": The Board’s test for authorising registration is that the applicant be a "fit and proper person" and meet specified qualification pathways (s 25(1)). The Board may require personal attendance and may refuse to authorise registration where the applicant fails to attend (s 25(2)). Those procedural discretions can be a source of denial independent of formal qualifications and can generate administrative uncertainty.

Practice directions and Gazette mechanics: The Board’s directions take effect on Gazette notification (s 47(2)). The Gazette notice must indicate where copies of the directions can be obtained (s 47(3)). Surveyors must monitor Gazette notices to stay onside with current practice directions and prescribed formats; reliance on pre‑existing practice or informal guidance can expose a practitioner to the disciplinary ground in s 33(1)(k) for contravention of a direction.

Board composition and nomination process: The Minister appoints two members from a panel of three nominated by a recognised professional body (s 9(2)(a)) and two other licensed surveyors (s 9(2)(b)). That nomination mechanism concentrates an avenue of influence in a single professional body for two of the Board seats; practitioners should note where representation and nomination rights exist and the potential for those mechanisms to shape Board policy and directions.

Coordinated survey areas and methodology requirements: The Surveyor‑General may declare coordinated survey areas (s 46A(1)-(2)), and surveys in such areas must use approved methodologies or systems of delimitation (s 46A(3)). Practitioners undertaking work in newly declared coordinated areas will need to confirm applicable methodologies before commencing.

Evidence admissibility and confidentiality: Statements at Board inquiries are protected from being used in other civil or criminal proceedings except in specified circumstances (s 57(2)). Practitioners and witnesses should understand the limited admissibility of inquiry testimony and plan accordingly for litigation and regulatory responses.

Service rules and deemed service: Service of notices and summonses have specific modes (s 65). Notices posted to the address supplied in registration or otherwise last known to the Chairperson are deemed valid service (s 65(b)). Practitioners and respondents bear the practical risk of missed notices if the Register is not kept up to date, since s 22(2) requires the Board to publish names and addresses in the Gazette annually.

Registration and maintenance of status

Apply in the approved form and pay the prescribed fee (s 23(1)-(2)). Ensure your application materials are truthful and supported by originals or certified documents: fraudulent registration carries a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment (s 31).
Keep the Register particulars current: the Board enters name, professional addresses, qualifications, registration number and date (s 24(1)(a)-(f)); the Board publishes names and addresses in the Gazette each year (s 22(2)). Update the Board promptly when your professional address or other particulars change to avoid deemed service problems under s 65.

Fees, renewals and certificates

Pay the annual registration fee before 1 December for the ensuing year (s 28(1)). Failure to pay before commencement of the registration year authorises removal from the Register (s 28(2)); restoration is discretionary and conditional on payment (s 28(3)).
Retain your certificate of registration and be ready to surrender it within 14 days if the Board orders removal or suspension (s 37(1)). Failure to comply carries penalties (s 37(2)).

Qualification and competence

Ensure you meet the Board’s qualification pathways: approved education and approved training/field service (and any exams) or recognition via reciprocating board accreditation (s 25). If relying on overseas or interstate qualifications, obtain the necessary accreditation letter or reciprocal recognition under s 27.
Be prepared to attend the Board if required (s 25(2)); failure to attend when required may lead to refusal of registration.

Practice requirements and plan submission

Comply with Board practice directions; monitor the Gazette for new or updated directions (s 47(1)-(3)). Directions are binding and contraventions are disciplinary grounds (s 33(1)(k)).
Submit survey plans and the underlying data in the prescribed manner and format to the Surveyor‑General, accompanied by the prescribed fee (s 49(1)-(2), s 49(6)). Be ready to supply any further information requested by the Surveyor‑General under s 49(3A).
Understand that the Territory will not accept or adopt a survey unless its plan is approved by the Surveyor‑General (s 50(1)), and that an approved plan is to be accepted as correct for boundary questions (s 50(2)). Workflows for client transactions should factor in plan approval timing.

Corrections and quality assurance

Establish quality control procedures to avoid errors that might attract a Surveyor‑General correction notice (s 51(1)). If you receive a correction notice, comply within the specified time or be exposed to having the correction done at your expense and the costs recovered as a debt (s 51(2)(a)-(b)).
Keep records and the data underlying plans in a retrievable format to respond quickly to corrections or requests for further information under s 49(3A) and s 51.

Entry, notice and interactions with landowners

Before entering land, give the required notice (s 61(1)-(6)). Delivery modes are flexible, but maintain documentary proof of notice to avoid obstruction allegations (s 61(3)).
Minimise damage when exercising entry powers (s 61(2)) and plan for indemnities and insurance to cover compensation obligations for damage (s 61(4)) and reimbursement by the engager where damage was necessary (s 61(5)).

Title use and employment

Do not use the title "licensed surveyor" or equivalent if you are not registered; this attracts heavy penalties (s 48(3)). Corporations must ensure that any surveying services are provided by an officer or employee who is a licensed surveyor (s 48(4)).
Supervise non‑licensed staff appropriately; allowing an unlicensed person to practise in your name is a ground for disciplinary action (s 33(1)(g)(ii)).

Discipline and inquiry preparedness

If notified of an inquiry, note the minimum 10‑day notice requirement (s 34(1)) and prepare for representation; registrants may be represented by a legal practitioner or agent and may examine witnesses (s 34(2)).
Keep manuals and records demonstrating compliance with Board directions and professional practice; the Board is not bound by rules of evidence at inquiry but will inform itself in a manner it thinks fit (s 34(3)).

Appeals and dispute resolution

If aggrieved by a Board decision listed in s 43(1), lodge an appeal to the Licensed Surveyors Appeal Tribunal within 21 days of service (s 43(1)). Appeals are rehearings and the Tribunal is bound by rules of evidence (s 43(3)-(4)). If appealing a suspension, note that lodging an appeal preserves your registered status pending determination (s 44).

Records, service and notices

Maintain up‑to‑date contact details and ensure the Board has your current professional and residential addresses used for service (s 24(1)(b); s 65). Deemed service rules make keeping addresses current a practical compliance necessity.
Be aware that Gazette notices set practice directions and fees (s 20; s 47(2)(a)). Regularly monitor Territory Gazettes or Board publications.

Insurance, contracts and risk allocation

Include contractual indemnities and insurance arrangements in engagement letters to cover potential compensation liabilities under s 61(4) and cost recovery exposures under s 51(2)(b).
Where a third party engages a surveyor and damage is necessary for the survey, ensure written agreements reflect the engager’s reimbursement obligations under s 61(5).

Engaging with regulators and professional bodies

Participate in professional bodies where appropriate, noting that recognised professional bodies nominate panels for Board membership (s 9(2)(a)). Engagement with such bodies can be a route to influence the practice directions and standards applied to the profession.
Keep evidence of compliance with approved training, field service and examinations to streamline registration or re‑registration applications (ss 25-26).

Regulatory change and continuing obligations

Watch for regulatory changes and Gazette notices that may prescribe fees, plan formats, details for graduate registration and maximum penalties (s 66). The Board’s annual report must be tabled in the Legislative Assembly (s 21), and administrative changes may follow that report cycle.

By treating these provisions as operational checklists tied to specific sections of the Act, practitioners can convert statutory obligations into internal compliance processes: registration records, fee calendars, plan submission workflows, quality control and correction procedures, insurance placements and engagement contract clauses consistent with the Act’s cost‑allocation rules.

Licensed Surveyors Act 1983

Plain English Summary

Deep Dive

What it does

Current sections

Licensed Surveyors Act 1983

Source text: opening excerpt

1 Licensed Surveyors Act 1983

Main concepts

Who it affects

Key duties and rights

Penalties and enforcement

How it interacts with other laws

Amendment history

Litigation history

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How to comply