Couple to pay $47,700 in consumer compensation, fines and costs (Kylie and Scott Sommer / Inspired Paving)

A Wanneroo couple involved in a landscaping business has been fined $12,000 by the Perth Magistrates Court on 8 March 2019 and ordered to pay a total of $32,986.67 in compensation to five out of six consumers for taking deposits but not commencing or completing the work.

Scam losses involving gift cards surge past $1 million

  • Over $1 million lost to gift card scams in payments this year
  • Romance scams involving seniors now the dominant driver of losses 
  • Retailers urged to uphold agreed warning measures and question unusual purchases  

More than $1 million has been lost in scams involving gift card payments this year, triggering an urgent warning from Consumer Protection as older Western Australians become the primary targets of romance scams. 

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. 

FuelWatch reports that, from 6am tomorrow (Wednesday 15 July 2026), the average price of Perth’s regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by over 12 cents per litre (cpl) to 175.1 cpl with 7-Eleven and BP hiking up to 189.9 cpl; and Ampol, Caltex and EG Ampol up to 183.9 cpl.

From the Commissioner: Looking after your vehicle starts with a licensed mechanic

For most people a motor vehicle will be one of the most expensive purchases they will make. In terms of maintenance, it will likely be the most expensive. 

Whether you bought brand new or second hand, maintaining your car with regular services and repairs will help keep it in good working order. In fact, a regularly serviced car will need less expensive repairs less often. 

Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the exact service schedule for your car.

From the Commissioner: Why baby bottle self-feeding devices are now banned

In case you missed it, baby bottle self-feeding devices were permanently banned by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) back in May.

Baby bottle self-feeding devices are designed to allow bubs to drink from a bottle without an adult holding it. Some use pillows or a body worn holder to prop up a bottle in the baby’s mouth, while others use flexible tubes or straws that connect a teat to a bottle.

Real estate agency fined over mishandled $50,000 deposit (Australian Property Alliance Pty Ltd / Nicheliving Real Estate)

  • $5,000 fine and reprimand for agency formerly trading as Nicheliving Real Estate 
  • Deposit withdrawn from trust despite laws requiring it be held until plans registered 
  • Trust account protections are non-negotiable and essential to protect buyers 

A Perth real estate agency has been reprimanded and fined $5,000 by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT), after admitting to improperly releasing a $50,000 deposit that should have remained in trust under Western Australia’s strata title laws. 

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. 

FuelWatch reports that, from 6am tomorrow (Wednesday 8 July 2026), the average price of Perth’s regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by 9.9 cents per litre (cpl) to 172.8 cpl with BP hiking up to 199.9 cpl; Ampol and EG Ampol up to 183.9 cpl; 7-Eleven up to 179.9 cpl; and Caltex up to 175.9 cpl.

From the Commissioner: Don’t lose your consumer rights in the spin cycle

Whitegoods and televisions account for the majority of household goods complaints received by Consumer Protection. People rely on these items every day, and when something goes wrong it’s a major disruption and can leave you out of pocket. Think about the food that could spoil when a fridge stops working, or the extra money needed for a laundromat when the washing machine breaks down. 

The last thing you need is the retailer not understanding their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) when your fridge, washer, dishwasher, dryer or TV breaks down.

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. Drivers are also urged to only purchase the fuel they need to fill their vehicles, not to stockpile. 

FuelWatch reports that, from 6am tomorrow (Wednesday 1 July 2026), the average price of Perth’s regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by 16 cents per litre (cpl) to 164.3 cpl with United hiking up to 195.9 cpl; BP and EG Ampol up to 189.9 cpl; Ampol up to 183.9 cpl; Vibe up to 179.7 cpl; and 7-Eleven and Caltex up to 169.9 cpl.