Consumer Protection

• Unlicensed motor vehicle repairer to pay $3,000 fine and $418 in costs
• Repairer ignored four warnings to re-apply after his licence expired
• Licensing laws important to maintain high industry standards in WA

A Bayswater motor vehicle restorer and repairer who ignored several warnings about operating without a licence has been fined $3,000 by the Perth Magistrates Court.

• High complaint numbers prompt reminder to research solar installers
• Issues involve poor quality parts, installers not using due care and skill
• Some complaints about companies that have gone out of business

WA consumers looking to install home solar energy systems are urged to select their installers carefully, following a high number of complaints reported to Consumer Protection.

• Vast majority of dealers/repairers inspected found to be complying with the law
• Inspections carried out in Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River areas
• Three vehicles issued with defect notices and one unlicensed repairer found

A sweep of parts of WA’s South West by Consumer Protection automotive officers has recently given the vast majority of motor vehicle dealers and repairers in the area a tick of approval.

• The contents of 131 showbags and 20 stall products inspected for safety
• A total of 34 items failed to meet product safety standards
• Most items identified did not comply with new button battery rules

Product safety inspections of toys and novelty items being sold in showbags and by stallholders at this year’s Perth Royal Show have resulted in 34 items identified that do not comply with product safety standards.

Mould or dampness around a home can pose a health risk and should be removed as soon as it’s noticed, yet complaints about mould in rental properties have risen.

Mould is a fungal growth that thrives on moisture. It can exacerbate health problems like asthma, respiratory infections and rashes, cause unpleasant smells, damage to buildings or contents and lead to expensive repairs.  

With their mesmerising patterns, earthy tones and Dreamtime narratives, it’s little wonder that Aboriginal art and crafts are displayed on walls in homes right across the world.

While much of the allure of buying your own piece of Aboriginal artwork is knowing it has been created by an Aboriginal person, a new report demonstrates why there’s a good chance this may not be the case.

• Domain name versions without .com, .net, .org etc. will soon be publicly available
• Businesses and organisations urged to register the .au only version of their name
• Failing to register .au versions could result in identity theft and financial loss

Businesses and organisations are urged to take urgent action on planned domain name changes to prevent the possibility of their corporate identity being stolen and their contacts being scammed.

Mould or dampness around a home can pose a health risk and should be removed as soon as it’s noticed, yet complaints about mould in rental properties have risen.

Mould is a fungal growth that thrives on moisture. It can exacerbate health problems like asthma, respiratory infections and rashes, cause unpleasant smells, damage to buildings or contents and lead to expensive repairs.  

• Online retailer takes payment for goods that don’t arrive within a reasonable time
• Hundreds of complaints received by consumer protection agencies in Australia
• Consumers urged to avoid placing orders with the retailer at this time

WA consumers are being warned about shopping with national online retailer Kingdom Warehouse, based in Melbourne, as many of their customers have failed to receive their goods or any refunds.

Mould or dampness around a home can pose a health risk and should be removed as soon as it’s noticed, yet complaints about mould in rental properties have risen.

Mould is a fungal growth that thrives on moisture. It can exacerbate health problems like asthma, respiratory infections and rashes, cause unpleasant smells, damage to buildings or contents and lead to expensive repairs.