The LPI maintains and guarantees the register of all titles and mortgages in NSW. The tender closes in a few weeks when the successful private operator will take over the LPI functions.

With the change in place there is considerable doubt as to who will pay for the faults or errors which will undoubtedly occur as profit will be the main driver.

On anticipated turnover the state could generate a return of about $4 billion if the sale does not proceed over the period of the 35 years.

If the sale proceeds, it is expected to receive between $1 and $2 billion for the state.

Financially it is a no-brainer!

There will be considerable loss – in the hundreds - of jobs in Sydney and this could flow into Bathurst where, it is claimed, contracts have already been let to an Indian company for work which could be done in Bathurst and NSW.

When the sell-off takes place, it is highly likely that much of the work, jobs and information of a property and personal nature will be moved offshore.

This is a security risk from which there is no government guarantee. The Concessionaire is likely to offer insurance to cover such eventualities and this will increase the cost of housing in NSW.

None of the informed groups, the Law Society, Real Estate Institute, Surveyors Institution, Property Council and many others, support the sell-off.

In fact, it seems no one but the government favours the move.

Even within government there are many who feel keenly that the move is not in the interest of the state and the people of NSW. Economically, strategically and from an employment perspective, the sale cannot be justified.

THE reporting of the International Women’s Day event by the Western Advocate (“Being bold for change”, Thursday, March 9) demonstrates the continual bias towards men. 

In a room full of high-achieving women, professional women offering services to women, high school students and a very talented group of women on the panel for the hypothetical, the Western Advocate article consisted of two paragraphs about the event and 12 paragraphs quoting the speech by Andrew Gee, the federal MP.  

Even if the reporter had limited time at the function, there was ample opportunity to speak to the many outstanding women giving their time to promote the successes of women and to encourage young women. 

Later in the afternoon one of the attendees gave an International Women's Day keynote address to the women and men of US tech giant AT&T and took questions from appreciative men and women in Bangalore, India, Hong Kong, South Korea and Australia. 

It is this continual overlooking of women in the media that has resulted in the lack of women in local government, on business boards and in the Australian honours system.

May I suggest that, as editor, you counsel your reporters to be more aware of gender bias in their reporting.

CONGRATULATIONS to Bathurst Youth Council's new deputy mayor, Lili Carter, and Youth Council mayor, Sarah Driver.

May you enjoy every success in your new roles, which give hope for the future of a rich democracy in Bathurst.