Commissioner's Blog: Love your Mum - shop smart

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, there’s no doubt you’ll be hunting for the perfect gift that shows you care - without getting caught out by dodgy deals or disappointing deliveries.

In the lead-up to Mum’s special day, many retailers advertise special promotions to boost sales. While these offers can provide great value to shoppers, businesses must ensure that promotional pricing is accurate and not misleading.

Sales rep fined after misusing tenant’s money

  • Former sales rep used a tenant’s money to pay bond on own Mandurah home
  • Tried to hide wrongdoing by showing employer a fraudulent receipt
  • Fined $4,500 by SAT for unauthorised trust fund withdrawal and acting dishonestly

A former real estate sales representative who illegally used a tenant’s funds to pay the rent and bond on her own rental home before forging a receipt to cover her actions has been reprimanded and fined.

Financial Counsellors: Free, Independent, and Compassionate Support

Ever wondered what a financial counsellor does? These wonderful workers are qualified professionals who provide information, advice, and advocacy to people in financial difficulty.

You can find them based in community organisations throughout WA, from large charities to smaller community centres, as well as local government agencies, and their services are independent, confidential, and compassionate. Best of all, they are free and not means-tested, ensuring that anyone in financial difficulty can access support.

Commissioner's Blog: Gas safety for campers

The Easter break and school holidays are a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family and friends, so what could be better than a camping trip in our great State?

The range of creature comforts you can take on the road with you – like portable gas cookers, heaters, fridges and barbecues – means there’s no need to rough it. It’s just important to take a few simple steps to ensure everyone stays safe.

Portable gas appliances are safe to use, as long as they are in good condition and operated correctly.

Commissioner's Blog: Sit, stay, know: your guide to house sitting rights

Planning a trip and looking for someone to take care of the pets and water the house plant in the bathroom that’s hanging on by a thread?

If you’re thinking about bringing a house sitter into your home, there’s a few things you’ll need to consider to avoid coming back to distressed pets or missing items.

If you don’t have the luxury of using a trusted friend or family member as a house sitter, make sure you use a registered business, so your rights are protected under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Alert to Perth motorists - fill up now to beat the petrol price rise

Motorists in Perth and Mandurah are advised to fill up now if they need to, with petrol prices set to rise tomorrow. After today motorists will likely have to wait a week before petrol prices are again at the bottom of the price cycle.

FuelWatch reports that, from 6am tomorrow (Wednesday 9 April 2025), the average price of Perth’s regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by 30 cents per litre (cpl) to 193.3 cpl with Caltex and Reddy Express hiking up to 211.9 cpl; 7-Eleven, BP and EG Ampol up to 209.9 cpl; Vibe up to 209.7 cpl; and Ampol up to 204.9 cpl.