Sally Dale, valuer, has been appointed to the position of the new Valuer General of New South Wales. She has replaced David Parker who has been transferred to hear compulsory acquisition matters in the Land and Environment Court as a Commissioner.

In compulsory acquisitions, when parties involved in the acquisition process fail to reach a settlement regarding the value of the property, the Valuer General of New South Wales assumes a critical role. The Valuer General is entrusted with the responsibility of determining the fair and just value of the property in question. It is a crucial role.

Her background encompasses extensive expertise in property valuation, both in the private and public sectors, specifically focusing on rating and land taxation.

Commencing on June 1, 2023, her appointment spans 12 months. During this period, a comprehensive and transparent recruitment process will be conducted before the official statutory appointment of a Valuer General for a seven-year term. This is something we welcome as there were significant delays in the Valuer Generals office for sometime, with a high staff turnover which impacts on the lives of those waiting for Determinations by the Valuer Generals office.

As the Valuer General, Sally holds the crucial responsibility of providing impartial valuation services to owners and tenants of land acquired under the Just Terms Act as her delegates who prepare and issue the decisions are under her supervision. She plays a pivotal role in the administration of land tax rating systems in the state. With growth in many areas resulting in land owners paying higher land tax, it will be expected that more and more of the Valuer General land rates determinations will be challenged. The current process of determinations at the Valuer General needs a full review as the right to reply and make submissions is far too narrow. We will keep a watchful eye as well as write to Ms Dale to try to allow for new changes to assist all parties obtain a fairer outcome at the Determination stage so owners and tenants are less likely to have to appeal. Watch this space.