Consumer Protection

A Shenton Park property manager has been reprimanded and fined $13,000 by the State Administrative Tribunal for making unauthorised withdrawals from a real estate agency’s trust account.

Rhonda Denise Reid, who was a Director of the Nedlands agency, also failed to act fairly and honestly by making 13 unauthorised withdrawals totalling $36,290 between May 2014 and June 2016 without the knowledge of the agency’s licensee. Ms Reid’s registration had already expired so an order for her licence to be disqualified could not also be made.

An unlicensed motor vehicle dealer has been fined $1,200 and ordered to pay costs of $205 by the Perth Magistrates Court after pleading guilty on 5 October 2018.

Fadel Ali of Langford had bought and sold 24 motor vehicles between August 2016 and March 2018 without a licence, in breach of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said unlicensed dealing created an uneven playing field for the industry and threatened consumers’ rights.

Consumer Protection regularly reminds consumers in Western Australia about their rights and the regulations in place to protect them, but what happens when you actually need to make a formal complaint about a retailer or business?

The first step in the process is always to approach the trader and attempt to get a remedy for the issue. We have a handy checklist on our website to guide you through the process, or you can call us for advice on 1300 30 40 54.

With Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard

The Christmas shopping period has now begun and it’s important for consumers to remember a few key tips to ensure they actually get what they pay for when buying gifts for family and friends.

Many post-Christmas complaints received by Consumer Protection relate to gifts bought online that don’t arrive on time, so it’s important to confirm that delivery can be guaranteed before Christmas Day when placing an order.

Baby bath aids such as plastic recliners, cradles or seats, have become increasingly popular with parents as they provide support for babies and young children in the bath.

But it is important to remember that they are not safety devices or a substitute for adult supervision and support. Children have drowned while using a bath aid as they can easily slip off and become submerged under water, tip over when the suction cups come loose or climb out.

Tenants are allowed keep a pet in their rental home subject to the landlord’s approval. 

This publication provides guidelines on seeking the Commissioner's approval for:

This Strategy is built on three pillars that will guide Consumer Protection’s overall operation of being Responsive, Engaged and Accountable.