Information on encumbered vehicles contained in State registers like Western Australia's REVS is to be made available nationwide to help prevent financial loss.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is to exchange data with other registers so that any financial commitments on vehicles sold interstate are available to finance companies.
The move was announced by Consumer Affairs Minister Yvonne Henderson today as part of the State Budget.
The exchange of data is part of an agreement on a national vehicle security register.
All States will distribute their encumbrances data to help prevent purchasers and financiers being caught with a previous owner's financial commitments.
"The Budget will allow Consumer Affairs to modify its computerised system to allow the national system to operate," Mrs Henderson said.
The announcement comes as New South Wales revealed that one in five cars checked in its register last year was found to be stolen or subject to outstanding financial obligations.
Among other projects to be undertaken by Consumer Affairs will be a range of education and advice services in regional areas.
These services will be funded in the South-West, Mid-West, Goldfields, Great Southern and Pilbara.
