The Australian PPSA
How does it impact you?The Australian Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (the Australian PPSA) is now in force. Like its New Zealand equivalent, the Personal Property Securities Act 1999 (our PPSA), the Australian PPSA and PPS Register profoundly change the way that security is taken over personal property. The change will be significant for New Zealand businesses who supply goods to Australia on credit. Set out below is an overview of the Australian PPSA, how it may affect you and what you need to know if it does. The Australian PPSA – what is it?The Australian PPSA brings together numerous State, Territory and Commonwealth laws and registers to create a unified system for dealing with security in personal property. It is very similar to our PPSA in that:
As in New Zealand, what is important under the Australian PPSA is who is the first to register and perfect their security interest, and who has any type of “super priority”, rather than who has legal title to the personal property in question. How to register your new security interestsAll new security interests should be registered immediately on the PPS Register. You can search the PPS Register and create a new registration online at www.pps.gov.au. If you are familiar with the New Zealand Personal Property Register, you will find that similar information is required to register your security interest in Australia. Transitional provisions – taking care of your existing security interestsThe Australian PPSA contains transitional provisions designed to protect holders of security interests that were registered on the various registers that the Australian PPSA replaced. If these provisions apply to you, you have until 29 January 2014 to ensure your security interest is perfected under the Australian PPSA. Failure to do so will result in you losing your priority. What you need to doIf you supply goods on credit to Australia, you will need to start registering your security interests in Australia in a similar manner to the way you register your security interests in New Zealand. How we can help youAs with any new legislation, there is a potential for confusion and conflict as individuals and businesses come to terms with the new legislation and take steps to preserve and protect their position. If you need advice on what you need to comply, our Business Law Team can help you get in touch with an Australian lawyer. The information contained in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended as legal advice. It is important that you seek legal advice that is specific to your circumstances. All rights reserved © Jackson Russell 2012 |
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