Registrys were run state by state around 2004 most states bar tas qld and nt were on the national then I lost interest in it and qld was roumored to come on board in 2005.

Nsw rta probably had no issue unless it left state. I knew of heaps of cars flagged in Vic and when sold new owners would then be notified. That was the old system in 2008 when the shake up happened they became more proactive in stopping them
Before the changed ownership.

We need to know why they holding it. This is only reason I can think of unless it's held for security but finance or loan.

Used to be called cut and shut or rebirthing and various other names.