Free information sessions across regional WA this spring are set to discuss key changes to national building and plumbing codes as well as new subcontractor payment laws. The State Government’s building regulator, Building and Energy, is inviting participants at all levels of the building, construction and plumbing sectors to attend the interactive events. One roadshow will cover the National...

Potential risk to residents or tradespeople accessing the switchboard $25,000 fine for electrical contractor and $5,000 fine for electrical worker Metal meter enclosure not bonded to earth and socket outlet wired incorrectly An electrical contractor and electrician have been fined $25,000 and $5,000 respectively after wiring errors left parts of a Kalamunda property unprotected against electrical...

Every day across Western Australia there many individuals and organisations fighting for the rights of WA consumers and a number of these outstanding efforts have been recognised in this year’s Consumer Protection Awards. One such person is Mary Martin, who received the 2022 Rona Okely Award for an individual who has given their time, energy and experience for the betterment of others. Through...

Investigation into tickets allegedly sold for more than the allowed 110 per cent. Viagogo urged to do more to prevent illegal ticket sales on their website. Evidence that some tickets on Viagogo are at least double the original price. Consumer Protection is investigating ticket re-selling website Viagogo for possible breaches of WA’s anti-scalping laws and is alerting WA ticket buyers. The...

Pilbara tradesman falsely presented himself as a licensed electrical contractor Signed off on electrical safety certificates without being authorised to do so Home and business owners can do a fast online search to verify electrical licences WA’s energy safety regulator is urging consumers to use its online licence search to verify that businesses they engage to carry out electrical installing...

Winners of 2022 WA Consumer Protection Awards announced The awards recognise individuals and groups whose work advances protecting consumer rights in the community A tenancy advocate and financial counsellor, a domestic violence support group, a child safety program and media stories about funeral insurance were the winners of the 2022 Consumer Protection Awards. The winners were announced during...

PLUMBERS LICENSING BOARD – MEDIA STATEMENT Western Australia’s plumbing regulator is reminding consumers that plumbing work on water supply, sanitation and drainage must be carried out by licensed plumbers. The Plumbers Licensing Board has warned that incorrect or uncertified plumbing work can cause property damage and compromise public health and safety. The warning was issued by the Board...

As rents continue rising across Western Australia, many tenants are finding that in addition to paying more money to live in their home each week, there is an extra expense they need to consider. After rent is increased at a property, a landlord or property manager is entitled to ask the tenant to pay extra money towards their security bond. Known as a ‘bond top-up’, the amount of money requested...

Motorists in Perth and Mandurah are advised to fill up now if they need to, with petrol prices set to rise tomorrow. FuelWatch reports that, from 6am tomorrow (Wednesday 27 July 2022), the average price of regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by over 23 cents per litre (cpl) to 186.5 cpl. Ampol, Caltex Woolworths and Coles Express hiking by up to 44 cpl up to 199.9 cpl; 7-Eleven up to 195...

A ground and air cargo services company has been fined $110,000 (and ordered to pay $8000 in costs) over an incident in which a baggage handler was seriously injured when he fell from a moving baggage tug at Perth Airport. Swissport Australia Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to failing to provide and maintain a safe workplace and, by that failure, causing serious injury to a worker, and was fined in the...

Moving house is widely considered to be one of life’s most stressful events, so we always urge consumers to choose their removalist carefully to avoid any extra drama on the day. Consumer Protection has recently received a growing number of complaints about the conduct of removalists advertising on social media. Initially the trader quotes an hourly rate and requests a small deposit, however upon...