SA treasurer cops flak on lands title plan

Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis has been forced into an impromptu defence of South Australian government plans to privatise the state's lands title office.

At an outdoor media conference to discuss the state's energy problems, the treasurer was questioned on Friday by a member of the public who was concerned about higher costs and job losses when the "shit hits the fan".

Mr Koutsantonis conceded the government was still to convince the public of the merits of the idea but rejected the man's concerns.

"I don't think it will add any cost and we'll make sure all of your information is kept private and confidential," the treasurer told the man, who did not give his name but indicated he was involved in the property industry.

He argued that Mr Koutsantonis was "not going to be around when the shit hits the fan".

"You haven't convinced the industry yet," he told the treasurer.

"Good luck."

The government revealed plans in 2016 to have the private sector take over the transactional functions of the Land Service Group, which is the agency responsible for administering land titles and property valuations.