Consumer Protection

The information in this document is provided as a guide for village managers and residents. The dispute resolution process is outlined in Division 6 of the Fair Trading (Retirement Villages Code) Regulations 2022 (the Code).

In any communal living situation with shared amenities, disputes between residents, or between residents and the administering body, may occur. Open and respectful communication is the best way to prevent or resolve disputes.

10 October 2014: CPD reminder

Settlement industry bulletins provide topical information and reminders for agents.

9 July 2014: Fee deregulation consultation closing – End of Consultation Period Approaching 

Please note: The consultation period has now closed. 

In May 2014 the Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll, released a position paper proposing that government deregulate the fees charged by settlement agents and land valuers. 

Settlement agents are reminded that the three-month consultation period for the discussion paper closes on Thursday, 31 July 2014. 

5 September 2014: ASIC business names registration (September 2014)

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) will soon be contacting business name holders, who have not renewed their business name registration, about its intention to cancel their business name. 

According to a recent media release, ASIC will commence a pilot program to free up business names for registration. 

4 August 2014: RCDs and smoke alarms

Consumer Protection has updated previous best practice guidance information supplied to settlement agents regarding their obligations with respect to residual current devices (RCDs) and smoke alarms. 

The former Settlement Agents Supervisory Board (the Board), which regulated settlement agents conduct prior to Consumer Protection taking over the role in July 2011, issued two e-Bulletins in 2009 concerning best practice in relation to RCDs and smoke alarms. 

23 October 2014: Changes to application requirements for renewal of licences

As you may be aware, the Settlement Agents Act 1981 (the SA Act) will soon be amended by the Consumer Protection Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 (the Bill) which was recently passed by the Parliament. The Bill’s enactment will make a variety of amendments across 14 pieces of legislation administered by the Commissioner for Consumer Protection (the Commissioner). 

24 September 2014: The Department of Commerce is moving

As of 30 September 2014, the Property Industries Directorate, as well as Bonds Administration, will be located at Gordon Stephenson House in Perth and the Licensing Branch will be located at The West Centre in West Perth. 
 
We are moving offices over the September long weekend and in preparation our office will close early on Friday, 26 September 2014. Please note: 

2 July 2014:  Agents restrained from operating and supervisors appointed

Consumer Protection has been granted supervision orders by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) to take control of two Perth real estate agencies over the misuse of their trust accounts and inability to operate their businesses within the Real Estate and Business Agents Act.

The supervisor’s duties include carrying on the activities of the agent for the purpose of winding up the agency. 

4 November 2014

Help ensure first home buyers don’t miss out on the Home Buyers Assistance Account (HBAA) $2,000 grant. Applications must be lodged no more than 90 days after the date that the offer to purchase the dwelling was accepted, even if not all information is available at the time.

The HBAA is a State Government scheme administered by the Department of Commerce (the Department) under the Real Estate and Business Agents Act 1978.