Contact Consumer Protection
Tel: 1300 304 054
consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au
See all Consumer Protection office locations
A handyman who took money from consumers but failed to carry out the work has been fined $6,000, ordered to pay a customer $2,150 in compensation and must also pay the $3,800 it cost Consumer Protection to prosecute him.
Daniel Murray Howard, who has previously been convicted of dishonesty offences, pleaded guilty to three contraventions of the Australian Consumer Law during a hearing at the Perth Magistrates Court on 17 February 2017. The incidents in May 2014 came within five months of his release from prison:
Magistrate Hall stated that when people invite tradesmen into their home they place their trust in a stranger, making them vulnerable. His Honour added that when payments are made to tradesmen in good faith, consumers are entitled to rely on the work to be completed. His Honour concluded that most people cannot afford to be ripped off and imposed the fine and costs totalling $11,950.
Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard hopes the penalty is a clear deterrent.
"We have seen an increase in these sorts of offences where tradespeople take money and do not carry out the work at all or fail to complete it. This is clearly illegal and as the enforcer of the Australian Consumer Law in Western Australia Consumer Protection is here to take complaints about this type of behaviour and if necessary step into the shoes of affected parties to bring matters before the courts."
Consumer Protection’s tips for homeowners hiring a tradesperson:
For assistance from Consumer Protection, call 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au. Depending on the nature of your enquiry you may be referred to the Building Commission.
Last modified: