Consumer Protection

Solar energy storage systems can be an attractive option for households looking to capture and store their own renewable energy.

However, around 450 WA home-owners that have installed several models of LG-branded home energy storage batteries are being urged to check if their device is on a national recall list due to fears they may overheat and ignite.

Tuesday, 7 June 2022

• ServiceWA app upgrades will ensure users have easy access to FuelWatch
• Interactive functionality and map will show fuel prices available near users
• Next addition to ServiceWA app continues journey in redefining the way Western Australians interact with government services

The McGowan Government has updated its ServiceWA app to include FuelWatch, providing an easy to navigate, interactive map allowing users to find the best fuel price deal across Western Australia.

Being contacted out of the blue by a business wanting to sell you something is a scenario many consumers will be familiar with. 

Whether it’s a knock at the front door from a salesperson, or unsolicited text messages, phone calls and emails, it may help to know there are strict rules surrounding how businesses are allowed to contact you.

When it comes time to move on a car or caravan, some people may lack the time or confidence to negotiate a private sale themselves.

Engaging a dealer to sell the vehicle on their behalf can therefore be a viable option, but selling on consignment does come with some risk. 

Given the dealer can keep any money they receive from the sale in excess of the amount they agree to pay the owner, this has at times resulted in dealers giving below reasonable value sale price estimates to vehicle owners.

Mother’s Day is on its way, so no matter whether you’re looking for a gift online or in-store, remember that you have the same consumer rights if things go wrong.

The Australian Consumer Law protects you if the gift is faulty, breaks down, doesn’t work as it should or is not what you ordered, and the trader should take steps to help fix the issue.

• New licence category proposed for dealers wanting to sell on consignment
• Character test for licence applicants and their associates to be strengthened
• Specific dealer training to focus on laws and practices for consignment sales

Losses incurred by owners when selling their motor vehicles and caravans on consignment have prompted action by the McGowan Government with a new licence category to be established under proposed new laws.

There’s a vast army of people in the Western Australian community dedicating their lives to helping consumers and tenants, and now is a golden opportunity for them to shine.

With nominations currently open for the Consumer Protection Awards 2022, I would urge advocates and promoters of consumer rights to step forward and lodge an online application before the closing date.

With ghoulish costumes, sweet treats galore and frightfully fun decorations, Halloween has become increasingly popular in Australia over the last decade.

So if you’re planning some Halloween fun with your family on 31 October, there are some things you can do to prevent it turning into Halloween hell.

If you’ve been looking to buy a shipping container for storage, transport or even to live in, it’s important to watch-out for scammers making leaky promises.

WA ScamNet at Consumer Protection is aware of ten victims who have lost $35,500 after they responded to online adverts for discounted shipping containers and transferred money to several websites that turned out to be fake.

The victims were even provided with ABN information of legitimate businesses, before being asked to pay for the container via bank transfer.