Consumer Protection

It’s no secret there is a significant shortage of rental properties in Western Australia right now. But two incentive schemes to convert short-term rental accommodation and vacant properties into long-term rentals has seen hundreds of West Aussies find a home.

In the past 12 months more than 450 properties have been successfully converted into long-term rentals. That’s hundreds of families, couples, retirees and regional workers who now have a secure lease on a home for at least 12 months.

• Mt Lawley property manager illegally accessed agency trust account seven times
• Redirected money into own bank account to spend on dining and leisure     
• Payments to former tenants, a carpentry business and insurer were targeted

A former property manager who illegally diverted money intended for tenants, a carpentry business and an insurance company into her own company's bank account has been penalised $10,577.34 by the Perth Magistrates Court.

• Over a quarter of child drowning deaths occurred at home
• Safety warning for parents about eRideable hazards
• Trampolines and Christmas presents with button batteries can be dangerous

Summer is upon us again, so Consumer Protection has some timely safety tips for families to enjoy the warm weather.

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.

• Parliament greenlights fairer retirement village laws
• Former residents to receive exit entitlements within 12 months of leaving a village
• Clearer upfront information to make it easier to compare options

Fairer retirement village laws are on their way, with the Cook Government's reforms to the Retirement Villages Act 1992 passing State Parliament.

The changes include a new time limit for exit payments to be made to departing residents.

• Online shopping & marketplace scams steal $481,331 from West Aussies in 2024
• In-store shopping hours boosted in Perth for Christmas-New Year shopping period
• Further shopping hours approved for remaining 2025 public holidays

Christmas shoppers will enjoy 35 extra hours of in-store shopping in Perth this festive season, but they are also being warned about the increased risk of online scams.

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.

How’s that vintage car project going? Or maybe you’re mechanically minded and know how to replace a few simple parts. You could even be looking to save a dollar or two by sourcing second hand bits and bobs for your car. Whatever the reason, you’ve probably looked on Facebook Marketplace to source parts for your car, truck or motorbike.

Consumer Protection’s ScamNet team are urging you to be cautious when dealing with these online marketplace sellers as there is a concerning trend for scammers to impersonate genuine auto wreckers, and car and motorbike parts businesses.

• Complaints soar against fitness service providers
• Consumers urged to know their rights under the Fitness Code and consumer law
• Fitness service industry on notice from Consumer Protection

Consumer Protection is urging Western Australians to exercise caution before signing up for fitness programs or challenges over concerns of misleading and deceptive conduct.

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.