Millions in unclaimed money up for grabs

5/12/02
Western Australians facing Christmas shopping bills may get some relief by staking a claim to millions in unclaimed money held by the State Government, Treasurer Eric Ripper said today.
Mr Ripper said a liftout published in today's West Australian listed thousands of people with $100 or more in unclaimed money.
"This year, $1.6million in unclaimed money is up for grabs, $1.4million of which is for amounts of more than $100," he said.
"But there are large amounts from previous years that still have not been claimed, including one amount of $611,000."
Mr Ripper said Western Australians could use on-line search facilities through the Internet to check if State Treasury was holding any money owed to them.
He said thousands of unpresented cheques, unclaimed share dividends, unclaimed wages, real estate bond repayments and other Government payments were waiting for rightful owners to come forward.
"Since 1998, 1,521 people have come forward to claim more than $1.2 million. Each year, only about 15 per cent of the funds advertised are paid out," the Treasurer said.
Mr Ripper said there was no time limit on claiming funds.
"Anyone who can establish they are the rightful owner can make a claim at any time," he said.
"With the liftout published in today's West Australian, as well as Internet facilities in many households, at public libraries, schools and telecentres, more Western Australians than ever before will be able to check if they have a long forgotten nest egg."
Mr Ripper said the proceeds of some deceased estates were transferred to Treasury after exhaustive searches for relatives by the Public Trustee.
On-line searchers could access the register of unclaimed monies at http://www.dtf.wa.gov.au

The WA Treasury does not hold unclaimed monies from bank accounts, life insurance, superannuation, lotteries, company shares or Government offices and businesses in other States.
Treasurer's office: 9222 8788