The cooler weather has finally arrived and this usually means staying warm by using products like heaters, wheat/heat packs, hot water bottles and electric blankets, or even sitting near a cosy fire. Consumer Protection is reminding people there are safety risks with many winter products and if not careful, they could pose a fire hazard to your home. Winter is also a time to be aware of mould in...

There will be major changes to the state Hairdressers Award later in 2024, as this WA award is being updated by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC). In mid-June 2024 the WAIRC issued an Order, which has not yet commenced , to vary the provisions of the award. It is anticipated that the scope of the Hairdressers Award will also be varied to extend coverage of the award...

The Building Commissioner is reminding WA consumers that only registered painting contractors can legally carry out paid painting work valued at $1,000 or more. The message follows Building and Energy’s prosecution of a Mandurah tradesman who was fined $3,500 and ordered to pay more than $500 in costs for working without the required painter registration, which he had not held for six years...

An increase to WA award pay rates and the state minimum wage is effective from today, with employers obligated to pay the new rates from the first full pay period on after 1 July 2024. The state minimum wage for employees 21 and over will increase to $918.60 per week. Minimum rates for younger workers and award free trainees and apprentices will also increase. Rates of pay in WA awards will...

Nerve damage, scarring, pain, burns, infections and psychological trauma. No, this isn’t about medical negligence, it’s about injuries received from beauty and cosmetic treatments. How would you feel if a simple trip to get your eyelashes looking lush for an event ends with red, infected eyes and a course of antibiotics, or your first session of laser hair or tattoo removal results in painful...

As a national ban on engineered stone approaches, Consumer Protection is urging affected homeowners to be aware of their rights and avoid signing new contracts to have the product installed. From 1 July 2024, the supply or installation of engineered stone – commonly used to make kitchen and bathroom benchtops – will be banned in all states across Australia to protect workers from the risks of silicosis, an irreversible lung disease.

Motorists in Perth and Mandurah are advised to fill up now if they need to, with petrol prices set to rise tomorrow. After today motorists will likely have to wait a week before petrol prices are again at the bottom of the price cycle. FuelWatch reports that, from 6am tomorrow (Wednesday 26 June 2024), the average price of Perth’s regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by over 36 cents per...

Two Perth companies and three individuals have been fined almost $40,000 for an electrical licence-sharing arrangement involving solar installations at 25 properties. At Perth Magistrates Court on 11 June 2024, Jafal Brothers Pty Ltd and its director Rohit Kumar Jafal and Tanway Engineering Pty Ltd and its director Sukujohn Tharakan pleaded guilty to offences under WA’s electricity licensing...

A campaign is providing a stark reminder of the potentially lethal dangers of DIY electrical or gas fitting work, which must always be carried out by a licensed professional. Radio, social media and video messages from Building and Energy highlight the similarity between DIY and DIE to discourage unlicensed people from attempting this work, which has led to several deaths and near-misses in WA. “...

Motorists in Perth and Mandurah are advised to fill up now if they need to, with petrol prices set to rise tomorrow. After today motorists will likely have to wait a week before petrol prices are again at the bottom of the price cycle. FuelWatch reports that, from 6am tomorrow (Wednesday 19 June 2024), the average price of Perth’s regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by 35 cents per litre...

A Perth electrician has been fined $15,000 after switchboard components at a Mt Lawley home were left unprotected, putting users at risk of serious injury or electrocution. Gregory Craig Jason Briffa (EW125610) of partnership Gregory and Claire Briffa (EC5777), trading as BMI Technologies , pleaded guilty at Perth Magistrates Court to two offences under WA’s electricity licensing regulations...

West Leederville settlement agent struck off for unauthorised withdrawals Illegally transferred over $29,000 into own bank accounts, a credit card account SAT orders follow extensive Consumer Protection investigation A West Leederville settlement agent who illegally transferred $29,030 from a trust account into her personal bank accounts and a work credit card has been permanently banned from...