Western Australians reported losing a total of $10.7 million to scams in 2018, a 32 per cent increase from the previous year, according to figures released by WA ScamNet. There was also an increase in the number of victims with 569 people reporting losses to WA ScamNet in 2018, a 42 percent increase from 2017. There was a huge hike in losses to investment scams, which topped the list of...

An unlicensed motor vehicle dealer has been fined $5,000 and ordered to pay costs of $2,197 by the Perth Magistrates Court after pleading guilty on 23 January 2019. Hafedh Al Anzi of Ellenbrook had purchased and sold 26 motor vehicles between June 2016 and January 2018 without a licence, in breach of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act. Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said...

WorkSafe has issued a warning on guarding against the effects of extreme temperatures in work environments during periods of hot weather. WorkSafe WA Commissioner Darren Kavanagh today reminded employers and workers of the need to take extra care during the summer months to avoid the risk of heat stress or the more serious heat stroke. “It’s not just working outside in heatwave conditions, but...

A Bunbury motor vehicle dealership and its Director have been fined a total of $6,700 by the Bunbury Magistrates Court on 17 January 2019 and ordered to pay $2,000 compensation to a consumer over an illegal consignment sale. Bunbury Autos Pty Ltd was fined $5,500 after pleading guilty to entering into a consignment sale arrangement without the permission of the Commissioner for Consumer...

Building and Energy is alerting owners and occupiers of properties with swimming or spa pools about the significant risks of propping open a pool gate. Statistics show that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children under five years of age, with many such tragedies occurring in domestic pools. Building laws in Western Australia require swimming and spa pools with water more...

Travel is often expensive so it’s well worth taking the time to do a bit of research before you book your trip to make sure all goes to plan and you get what you paid for. Whether using a travel agent or booking online yourself, it is always a good idea to compare travel packages as well as the cost of individual flights, trips and hotel accommodation before you purchase anything and always read...

The State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) has imposed a $20,000 fine and ordered further training after a father-and-son building partnership breached WA’s building laws in relation to defects at three new homes. The disciplinary allegations against the partnership between Jason Zachariah Burns and his father, Richard Burns (BP4649), trading as Jason Burns Homes (BC13540, expired), were referred to...

The average cost of unleaded petrol is set to increase by around 21 cents per litre (cpl) to 134.7 cpl tomorrow, so FuelWatch is encouraging Perth drivers to fill up today to save money. FuelWatch advises that on Tuesday 8 January 2019, all Caltex Woolworths and most Coles Express, 7-Eleven and Caltex sites are increasing their ULP price to 139.9 cpl (increasing by between 28.6 cpl and 29 cpl)...

Wageline has now reopened after the Christmas and New Year period. We are excited to start a new year fresh and ready to help you with your employment queries on state employment law. Wageline deals with queries about: pay rates, leave entitlements and other employment arrangements for employers and employees in the WA state industrial relations system long service leave for employees working in...

Western Australians are well known for their generosity but donors need to ensure that they are dealing with a licensed organisation to ensure their money reaches the intended recipients. Always ask for identification from door-to-door charity collectors and, if you do donate to them, get a receipt. Times for door-to-door collections for a charitable purpose are between 9am and 6pm Monday to...

A vehicle examiner found to have engaged in corrupt activities has been banned by the State Administrative Tribunal from holding a motor vehicle repairer’s business licence or being involved in a licensed repair business for three years. Troy Pintabona of Walliston, Director of Mustang Holdings (WA) Pty Ltd , was also reprimanded and ordered to pay a fine of $1,500. The company has agreed to...