The Government understands circumstances such as natural disasters can make it difficult for people to meet their lodgement obligations to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Bernie Ripoll, today reminded people if they are facing hardship as a result of a natural disaster and are finding it difficult to pay fees, ASIC may be able to make arrangements to take account of their situation.
"ASIC can review late lodgement and late payment fees incurred as a result of factors outside your control and waive them in some circumstances.
"If you have been affected by the floods in Queensland and New South Wales, or recent bushfires in southern Australia, you can apply online to waive these fees via the ASIC website," said Mr Ripoll.
Fee waiver applications forms can be found on the ASIC website.
In addition, if you have lost your records, ASIC may be able to help you to obtain documents and information from its registers.
To do this, you should contact ASIC and explain the situation:
- through ASIC's website's questions page;
- by calling the ASIC Customer Contact Centre on 1300 300 630; or
- by writing to ASIC at:
Australian Securities and Investments Commission
PO Box 4000
GIPPSLAND MAIL CENTRE VIC 3841
You will need to provide the following information to ASIC staff:
- your name and contact details;
- your entity name and company, registration or licence number;
- details of your current situation; and
- details of the records that have been lost and what you would like ASIC to search from its registers.
An ASIC staff member will then contact you to discuss your situation and how ASIC can help.
"I know that ASIC will do all it can to help Australian businesses and individuals to get through this difficult time," said Mr Ripoll.
The Commonwealth and State Governments are also working together to provide natural disaster assistance to disaster-affected communities across Australia, including through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, the Commonwealth Government Disaster Response Plan, and Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments.
More information about assistance that is available can be found on the Disaster Assist website.
31 January 2013