Consumer Protection

Consumer Protection is warning Western Australians not to deal with Gerardus (Gerry) Hermanus Jorissen who has sent at least $200,000 of other people’s money to overseas criminals under the guise of an investment scheme.

Mr Jorissen who lives in Moora, came to the attention of authorities in 2013 as a possible fraud victim identified by Project Sunbird – an anti-fraud initiative run collaboratively by WA Police Major Fraud Squad and Consumer Protection.

• Less than a week to go to the 2021 Perth Royal Show
• Western Australians urged to take advantage of 25 per cent discounted ticket price
• Walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic to be open all week at Perth Royal Show
• 'Roll up for WA' hub to open with free kids' activities, fun giveaways and much more

Western Australia's biggest family event will kick-off this Saturday (September 25), with discounted tickets, a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic and traditional Show favourites on offer.

• Ticket scalping to be illegal in WA after passing of legislation in Parliament
• New rules for on-selling of event tickets will limit profit to 10 per cent
• Heavy penalties for those who break the law
• Legislation in place in time for WA to host the AFL Grand Final

Ticket scalping will be illegal in Western Australia after legislation introduced by the McGowan Government passed State Parliament, delivering on an election commitment.

As the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic continues to cast a shadow over our lives, there may be some Western Australians who are still struggling to stay afloat financially due to job losses or having their work hours reduced.

Renters who are unemployed, or who have lost more than half their income, should know that the State Government’s Residential Rent Relief Grant scheme will now remain open until the end of the year.

• Rent support or rent arrears grants on offer
• Scheme which has already supported thousands of tenants extended until December 31, 2021
• Previous applicants can apply again 

The McGowan Government has extended the Residential Rent Relief Grant Scheme (RRRGS) to continue to assist tenants facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 to pay their rent.

Your wedding can be one of the happiest days of your life, but it may also end up being one of the most expensive.

Covering the costs of all the things you need, such as a venue, catering, outfits and equipment hire, can soon add up – so it’s important to be across your consumer rights before you start shopping around.

With more than 9,500 weddings taking place in Western Australia last year, there are times when things don’t go exactly to plan.

• Gary Newcombe returns to Commissioner's role
• Brings 40 years' experience working in the Commonwealth and State public sectors, and for the Western Australian Parliament

Gary Newcombe has taken the baton to become Western Australia's new Commissioner for Consumer Protection.

He replaces Lanie Chopping, who has been appointed as interim Director General for the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Owing money and missing repayments can be stressful, so the last thing many people in financial difficulty need is to be charged more money for help getting their debt under control.

That’s why Consumer Protection urges consumers to choose free debt management advice where possible over other high-cost options.

While debt management service companies may claim to be able to fix debt problems, these businesses charge fees and may not always be able to resolve the issues.

With Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard

Are your airbags safe? Car owners across Western Australia are reminded to check whether they have faulty Takata airbags as the Department of Transport exercises its powers to cancel vehicle licences if owners do not respond to notices to replace deadly Alpha airbags.

Quarterly recall figures show that around 2.8 million faulty Takata airbags have been replaced across Australia, including more than 250,000 in WA, but thousands of affected vehicles remain on WA roads.

With Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard

Winter is here and the colder temperatures mean products designed to keep us warm are coming out of storage or being purchased. We want you to carefully check electric blankets, hot water bottles and other winter items are in good condition and have not been recalled before you use them.