Consumer Protection

When a service you’ve received isn’t up to scratch, or a product you’ve bought doesn’t work as it should, you may wish to seek a remedy from the business that supplied it.

Before contacting Consumer Protection for help, it is always important to try to resolve the matter yourself.

This is because in most cases an issue with a business or trader can be resolved pretty quickly just by explaining the situation and offering a mutually acceptable solution.

• Plumbers assessed customers’ switchboards without an electrical licence
• Magistrate notes offensive conduct, sales tactics and vulnerable victims
• Pair employed by a large Perth plumbing, gas and electrical company

The “scam” conduct of two licensed plumbers who provided unqualified electrical advice was “morally offensive” as it involved vulnerable victims and sales tactics, according to a Perth Magistrate.

• Tenancy toolkit uses imagery to assist visual storytelling of complex legal issues
• The aim is to improve the understanding of tenancy laws and processes
• Aboriginal and culturally linguistically diverse communities to be targeted

A major effort to improve the understanding of renting rights in vulnerable communities has been launched with the release of a specially-designed educational toolkit.

• Dangers lurk in some products used in celebrations of the popular event
• Button batteries, flammable clothing and cosmetic allergies of concern
• Tips to stay safe and prevent Halloween nightmares

Avoid unwanted frights or serious surprises this Halloween by checking that costumes, decorations and novelties are safe.

While many children and their families look forward to the fun celebration of Halloween each year, Consumer Protection warns that the event comes with unique safety considerations.

• Revamped website with new search and mapping features now online
• Finding the cheapest fuel will be quick and easy
• A new logo to celebrate the 20th anniversary of FuelWatch

A revamped FuelWatch website has been launched with enhanced search and interactive mapping features which will make it quick and easy for WA motorists to find the cheapest fuel sites in their area.

• More than 3,000 Western Australians secure home buyers grant in 2020-21
• Near record $6 million paid out to help people buy their first home
• Funds come from interest earned from the trust accounts of real estate agents

A near record $6 million in Home Buyers Assistance Account (HBAA) grants were paid to first home buyers last financial year, helping more than 3,000 Western Australians to buy their first home.

• $6,600 infringement notice for failing to comply with unsolicited sales’ laws
• Company initially refused to refund 50% deposit after contract cancelled
• Consumers advised to get multiple quotes to avoid paying too much

A Perth plumbing and electrical company has been issued with a $6,600 infringement notice by Consumer Protection for breaking consumer laws related to unsolicited sales and initially refusing to refund a deposit.

• Dyes used to identify grades of petrol no longer required
• Transitional period of up to 12 months now in place
• Fuel performance not affected by the changes

Motorists and fuel industry participants are being advised that dyes will no longer be required in all unleaded petrol grades in Australia, a change that took effect on 1 August 2021.

• Consumer complaints report treatments that went wrong
• A wide range of issues raised, including unexpected injury, pain and scars
• Research required to ensure operators are experienced and professional

WA consumers are urged to exercise caution when seeking beauty and cosmetic treatment services, as botched procedures can result in injury, pain and long-term scarring.

Car trouble can strike at any time when you are out on the roads, so it’s important to be across your rights before a breakdown or an accident occurs to avoid being taken for a ride by tow truck operators.

Following recent heavy rains, we heard from a number of motorists who broke down on flooded streets and allowed tow trucks to move their vehicles without ensuring a total price was included on the 'Authority to Tow' form. As a result, these motorists are now being charged exorbitant towing and storage costs by the tow truck companies.