Consumer Protection

When a can of bug spray or a mouse trap no longer works to keep your house pest-free, it could be time to call in the experts. And with the warmer weather around the corner, the creepy crawlies will be making an appearance.

Unfortunately, pest control services don’t always go to plan leaving you dealing with continued problems or even damage to your home.

The good news is you have rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

• Extended shopping hours approved for the City of Albany
• General retail shops will be allowed to open on Sundays and most public holidays
• Changes to take effect from February 2025

Albany consumers will enjoy extra hours of shopping on a permanent basis, after a proposal from the local government authority was given the greenlight by the Cook Government.

In response to an application by the City of Albany, Commerce Minister Sue Ellery informed the Council that she approved extended retail trading hours in Albany.

• Homeowners urged to know where they stand as engineered stone ban kicks in
• Advice to negotiate alternatives or refunds if contracts not completed in time
• Existing stone benchtops still covered by Australian Consumer Law

As a national ban on engineered stone approaches, Consumer Protection is urging affected homeowners to be aware of their rights and avoid signing new contracts to have the product installed.

Buying new furniture can be exciting, but it’s important to install your new item, securely, to prevent it from toppling over and causing serious injury or even death.

Furniture, such as chests of drawers, wardrobes, bookcases, cabinets, TV or entertainment units or other tall items, can pose serious risks and potentially tragic outcomes. Young children, especially, can try to climb on, or pull themselves up on furniture. If unsecured, these often very heavy items can fall over, causing serious head or crush injuries, suffocation, and even death.

• $2,500 fine and costs for not completing fencing work despite taking deposits
• Affected consumers only refunded shortly before case heard in court
• Advice for consumers to pay small deposits via credit card to reduce the risk

A Pinjarra tradesman who took upfront deposits for fencing jobs but failed to carry out the work has been fined by the Armadale Magistrates Court, following action from Consumer Protection.

Our TV screens, in-boxes and devices have been overflowing with End of Financial Year (EOFY) sales pitches – and you might be one of the thousands of people who snapped up a bargain-priced home appliance or some new furniture.

But did you also agree to buy an ‘extended warranty’ on your purchase?

Extended warranties are often sold to consumers by retailers as an added ‘peace of mind’ to cover your purchase after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.

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.

Nerve damage, scarring, pain, burns, infections and psychological trauma. No, this isn’t about medical negligence, it’s about injuries received from beauty and cosmetic treatments.

How would you feel if a simple trip to get your eyelashes looking lush for an event ends with red, infected eyes and a course of antibiotics, or your first session of laser hair or tattoo removal results in painful burns that leave a scar?

Nerve damage, scarring, pain, burns, infections and psychological trauma. No, this isn’t about medical negligence, it’s about injuries received from beauty and cosmetic treatments.

How would you feel if a simple trip to get your eyelashes looking lush for an event ends with red, infected eyes and a course of antibiotics, or your first session of laser hair or tattoo removal results in painful burns that leave a scar?

• Au pair provider leaves WA families more than $37,000 out of pocket
• 37 consumers with complaints against Blossom Au Pair Australia since 2019
• Warning for consumers to exercise caution before engaging with this business

Consumer Protection is urging Western Australian families to avoid doing business with an au pair placement provider that has allegedly taken $37,219 from unhappy customers.