Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers, said the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) continues to embrace innovative ways of providing the most up-to-date information to Queensland consumers.

Carolyn Male MP said the OFT recently launched a new charity search tool on its website which allowed people to see if an organisation was authorised to collect money in Queensland.

“Most charities do the right thing but jumping online and doing a free check through the Queensland Online Charities and Associations Register can be an extra vote of confidence and it’s easy to do,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“The register identifies organisations registered under the Collections Act 1966. The Act requires organisations wishing to publicly fundraise in Queensland to register with the OFT.”

“In its first two months of operation, more than 4000 hits were recorded on the site and visits continue to increase.”

“This latest resource adds to the website searches the OFT has developed so consumers can check whether the people they’re dealing with are licensed or registered.”

Carolyn Male MP said the OFT regulated a range of occupations including real estate agents, motor dealers, travel agents, introduction agents and security providers.

“The OFT has an online licence register which can tell you if people in these industries hold a current licence or registration,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“The register is updated daily and provides details of the licence number, licence holder, licence type and expiry date.”

“Since its launch around a year ago the licence register website has averaged around 10,000 hits per month.”

Carolyn Male MP said the range of occupational licences issued by the OFT ensured those working in specified industries operated with a high level of professionalism.

“It is important for consumer confidence and protection that licence checks are readily available.”

To check a licence or registration visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.