Consumer Protection

Media statement from Commerce Minister Sue Ellery

• Outcome reached on industry response between the pipe manufacturer and builders
• Decision provides way forward for impacted homeowners
• Cook Government to provide $30 million as part of agreement
• Legislative changes to be introduced to protect WA homeowners

An in-principle agreement has been secured between the Cook Government, Iplex Australia and several builders to assist Western Australian homeowners impacted by leaking Pro-fit (Typlex 1050) polybutylene pipes.

In 2021, Grandfather Maurice Wayne Matthews died of mechanical asphyxia from being crushed under a car.

He had decided to work on his car that morning but was killed due to the jack becoming unstable on a sloped surface, causing the vehicle to shift.

Repairing a vehicle at home carries the risk of death. While preventable, incidents continue to occur.

Over 100 Australians have died due to DIY car maintenance accidents since 2000, with many more hospitalised for injuries. Most fatalities occur when victims are working under a vehicle or using equipment incorrectly.

• Scams Awareness Week alert as $1.4 million stolen from two Western Australians
• Romance scam victims both coached on how to dodge banks' questions
• Video calls now being manipulated by AI so important to only meet in person

The Cook Government is urging Western Australians to be on lookout for scams and to report any suspicious activity this Scams Awareness Week (26-30 August).  

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.

Unless you’re completely self-sufficient, then grocery shopping is an essential part of your life.

Cost of living pressures mean consumers are spending more time shopping around for savings on their grocery bill. One way to help you save time and money is to check unit pricing.

• Cannington real estate agency and licensee fined total of $10,000
• Fourteen tenancy bonds lodged up to 81 days past deadline
• Action will continue to be taken against agents who put tenants’ money at risk  

Failing to lodge a substantial number of tenancy security bonds within the required 14-day timeframe has seen a Cannington real estate agency and its director fined a total of $10,000 by the State Administrative Tribunal.

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.

Ending a tenancy agreement early, or ‘breaking lease’ can be stressful, but renters should find it easier in the current tight rental market given it probably won’t take long to find new tenants.

While there are potential costs involved with breaking lease, you cannot be asked to pay the usual end of tenancy expenses such as the final inspection fee that an agent may charge and the landlord cannot impose other additional fees.

• $8,000 fine for taking deposits and not completing pool repair work
• Three consumers paid deposits totalling $6,050
• Public urged to only pay small deposits or make progress payments to reduce risk

A swimming pool fibreglass repairer has been fined by the Perth Magistrates Court for breaching the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) by taking deposits from three consumers and failing to supply goods and services within a reasonable time.

• Aussie Sheds Albany owner found guilty of breaching ACL
• $158,853 worth of deposits paid for incomplete shed and patio works
• 11 consumers to receive full compensation

An Albany shed seller who took large deposits from consumers between January 2020 and 25 July 2020 and failed to deliver goods and services in a reasonable timeframe has been found guilty of breaching the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).