Consumer Protection

If you’ve got a spare room or investment property, you may be considering advertising the space for short-term renting to make some extra money. Or perhaps you’re a local travelling across WA, who’s on the look-out for somewhere to stay that’s different to what’s on offer from traditional accommodation providers.

Whatever your motivation, it’s clear that Western Australia’s short-term rental market has been a game-changer for the state’s tourism industry over the last few years.

Many people worry about leaving their family with a large debt when they depart this world, so the option of paying for your funeral upfront before you need it has become increasingly popular in recent years.

So popular in fact, there is currently estimated to be around $170 million in pre-paid funeral funds invested by funeral organisers in Western Australia awaiting the day they’re needed.

WA’s ageing population means that figure is likely to grow further, so the State Government has stepped in to introduce some safeguards in the form of a new mandatory code of practice.

A new mandatory code of practice for Western Australia's prepaid funeral industry has been approved by the McGowan Government that aims to safeguard the estimated $170 million being held to pay for future funerals.

The new code, which comes into effect on March 1, 2021, will ensure that the funds will be managed within secure investments under the name of the client until they are required.

With Acting Consumer Protection Commissioner Gary Newcombe

When you think of Consumer Protection you might associate the agency with helping people who have bought products or services, however tenancy is a big part of what we do.

It’s hard to keep your wits about you following a car accident – you’re often in shock, the traffic behind you starts piling up and all you want is to get the car off the road and away from the scene. 

Sighting an approaching tow-truck can therefore be a great relief, but there are things you should know before a breakdown or bingle occurs to avoid being stung financially.

The first tow truck on the scene does not have an automatic right to your car – you have the right to decide who tows your vehicle and where it is taken.

With Acting Consumer Protection Commissioner David Hillyard

The post-Christmas sales create quite a buzz for shoppers both online and in-store, but remember to shop smart to avoid disappointment with the sales.

Retailers will be keen to get your business, so it’s important to look past the slick marketing and see the real value of deals on offer.

The Costco fuel outlet at Perth Airport will now be required to report its prices to FuelWatch when new regulations come into effect tomorrow.

Previously, the member-based fuel retailer was exempt as the Petroleum Products Pricing Act 1983 (WA) did not cover fuel sales when there is an existing agreement between the customer and the fuel retailer. The law has been changed so Costco cannot claim this exemption and is now required to participate in the FuelWatch scheme.

‘Panic-buying’ is a term we’d usually associate with grocery shopping in 2020, however there are suggestions it may be happening in the quad-bike industry currently on the eve of new safety regulations.

We have been concerned to hear reports that some quad bike dealerships are running low on stock as farmers and other consumers rush to buy-up current models that do not meet the important new mandatory safety standard coming into effect later this year.