Consumer Protection

15 August 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. 

2 July 2014

19 August 2014

A real estate sales representative has been fined $3,500 for misconduct over the sale of a Warnbro property in November 2012. 

Consumer Protection took disciplinary action against Dane Stephen Rawlings after an investigation into the sale found he had breached the Code of Conduct for Agents and Sales Representatives. Mr Rawlings faced two charges and was fined $1,500 and $2,000 on each by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) on 30 July 2014, and ordered to pay $1,000 in costs. 

8 August 2014

Consumer Protection has been granted supervision orders by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) to take control of a York real estate agency after its sole director’s licence renewal application was refused and the company was therefore unable to operate the business in compliance with the Real Estate and Business Agents Act. 

24 July 2014

This bulletin is in response to a public announcement by ACT Policing 

WA authorities have warned real estate and settlement agents to be on high alert following the reported real estate fraud in the ACT. 
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll believes the criminals responsible will be encouraged by their success to make further fraud attempts. 

14 August 2014

28 August 2014

The Department of Commerce recently issued a media release regarding the national safety recall of Infinity brand electrical cables which do not comply with Australian safety standards.

Real estate agents, property managers and lessors may be interested in the issues that arise from the recall.

Real estate bulletins provide topical information and reminders for agents.  

4 July 2014

Three people have been arrested and charged by South African Police in connection with the attempted fraudulent sale of a home in Western Australia. 

Please see the joint media release below for further information.