FROM TOMORROW, the fee to do an onlinePersonal Property Securities Register (PPSR) check will be only $2 — a reduction from $3.40.

Australians use the Personal Property Securities Register to check whether the second hand car they’re looking at buying doesn’t have any money owing on it.

A PPSR check will also tell potential buyers whether the car’s been reported as stolen or written off.

"Enter the details and with just one click, a quick motor vehicle search of the PPSR provides real time information that helps consumers make informed decisions before they buy," said Hamish McCormick, chief executive of the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA).

The PPSR is also used by businesses to register their interest in goods they provide until they receive final payment. Businesses can also use the PPSR to obtain credit — by using their goods and assets as collateral.

Registrations fees have also been reduced, with seven year registration to cost $6 instead of $6.80, $25 for a seven – 25 year registration (down from $34) and $115 for a registration with no end date (down from $119.)

Earlier this year, AFSA reviewed the PPSR fees and charges and proposed a reduction in most fees.

"AFSA has worked closely with stakeholders and users of the PPSR to propose these new fees. This is good news for Australian consumers and businesses, making the PPSR even more affordable,” Mr McCormick said.

www.ppsr.gov.au.

PPSR Background

The PPSR is the single, national online noticeboard of security interests in personal property in Australia. Personal property generally includes all forms of property other than land, buildings and fixtures.

Individuals or businesses can search the PPSR to check whether the valuable goods they want to buy are free from existing financed debt and safe from possible repossession.

Individuals or businesses can make a registration on the PPSR to show that they have a security interest in the goods they are supplying. If the customer doesn’t pay or becomes insolvent, they are in the best position to get their goods, or their value, back.

The PPSR can also be used by businesses to raise finance, using their goods and assets as collateral.

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DEFENCE is inviting research proposals from industry and universities to enhance the cyber capabilities of the Australian Defence Force.

Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne, said Australia must respond urgently to cyber threats which are becoming widespread and persistent.

“Malicious cyber activity costs Australian business and families over $1 billion every year, and malicious cyber activity from state and non-state actors is a threat to Australia’s national security,” Minister Pyne said.

“The government encourages Australia’s scientists and researchers to contribute to the development of cyber capabilities, which is a priority for national security. 

“We want academia and industry to collaborate with Defence Science and Technology, and CSIRO’s digital research network, Data61, to deliver technology developments and demonstrator systems within three to five years.

“It is critical that Australia develops a sovereign capability to protect our nation.”

Funding of up to $650,000 is being provided by the Next Generation Technologies Fund for the cyber research program.

Initial proposals will be funded for 12 months with the option of future funding for promising projects.

Applications close Wednesday August 15 with proposals to be submitted through the Defence Innovation website: http://bit.ly/2O6Ou48

Further information is available at www.dst.defence.gov.au/cyber

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THIS AUGUST is Tradies Health Month, and Safe Work Australia is reminding employers to protect their business’ greatest assets – their workers.

The nationwide initiative aims to raise awareness of work health and safety risks for tradies. Safe Work Australia’s CEO Michelle Baxter said worksites for tradies were hazardous by nature, and that employers have a duty to ensure their team is working safely.

“According to the latest WHS statistics, tradies make up almost one-third of Australia’s workforce, but they represent over half of the country’s serious workers’ compensation claims,” Ms Baxter said.

The most common serious claims for workers’ compensation are attributed to muscular stress while lifting, carrying or putting down objects.

“Injuries that tradies often experience include traumatic joint/ligament, and muscle/tendon injuries. Most distressingly, almost 50 tradies a year die from vehicle incidents,” Ms Baxter said.

Throughout August, Safe Work Australia will share resources on tradies’ health and safety by publishing a collection of data, videos, resources and information on our website. These can be accessed at any time, from any smartphone or tablet device.

“We want every tradie to go home safe. For more information and guidance on WHS in the trade industry, contact the local WHS regulator in your area,” Ms Baxter said.

“Serious injuries and fatalities will end up costing you more if you take shortcuts. Deadlines are serious, but injuries and fatalities are worse.”

Visit the www.swa.gov.au for resources, WHS contacts and general guidance on how to keep safe as a tradie.

Note: ‘Tradies’ are comprised of technicians and trades workers, labourers, and machinery drivers and operators.

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THE Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) is calling for FPA members to make submissions for the 2018 FPA Awards, a program that recognises excellence in financial planning and the notable contributions made by members to local communities.

The awards acknowledge the achievements of outstanding planners, paraplanners, students and practices, and celebrate the individuals and businesses who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding outcomes for clients.

FPA CEO Dante De Gori said the 2018 FPA Awards program was an important initiative that highlights the talent and passion within the financial planning profession.

“Financial planning professionals know that trust and respect is earnt through excellent client service – proactively going out of the way to answer questions before they are even asked and maintaining an open, transparent and communicative relationship,” Mr De Gori said.

“Hearing our members’ success stories makes me immensely proud, and this year we’ll be honouring them for the exceptional work they do across six different award categories.”

The six categories open for submissions are:

• • FPA Certified Financial Planner Professional of the Year Award
• • FPA Financial Planner AFP of the Year Award
• • FPA Paraplanner of the Year Award
• • FPA Professional Practice of the Year Award
• • FPA University Student of the Year Award
• • Community Service Award supported by Future2.

Future2 is the philanthropic arm of the FPA. The Future2 Community Service Award recognises FPA members who have made an outstanding contribution to improving the circumstances of the most socially excluded or financially disadvantaged members of the community in a probono, volunteering or community service capacity.

The next generation of financial planners are also acknowledged in the FPA University Student of the Year Award that recognises students who are excelling in the finance field and show a dedication to financial planning. Students who have demonstrated exceptional performance will be nominated by their respective accredited educational institution.

“With previous winners from Mackay, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth unveiled at the 2017 FPA Professionals Congress, I strongly encourage all FPA members across Australia to enter this year,” Mr De Gori said.

“Let’s share how financial planners make a meaningful positive difference to the lives of clients and within our communities.”

All categories will be judged by a panel of experts. Depending on the category, award winners will receive consumer media opportunities, financial contribution to professional development and complimentary registration to the FPA Professionals Congress.

The award winners will be announced at the 2018 FPA Professionals Congress in Sydney from November 21-23, along with the next winner of the bi-annual Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award.

Applications are now open and close on Friday August 31.

To enter: https://fpa.com.au/fpa-community/fpa-awards/

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