Announcements

Showing 1 - 25 of 2243 results

Commissioner's Blog: Keep your Christmas cheer in check

The pressures and temptations to spend too much over Christmas can create financial stress and debt that linger long after the Christmas cheer has gone. Despite increasing costs of living, including higher mortgage interest rates, a report by Australian Consumer and Retail Studies at Monash Business School shows people are planning to spend an average of $1,088 on Christmas presents, with 65 per...
Consumer Protection
Media release
06 Dec 2023

Alert to Perth motorists - fill up now to beat the petrol price rise

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 6 December 2023), the average price of Perth’s regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by over 34 cents...
Consumer Protection
Media release
05 Dec 2023

Get prepared for the festive season public holidays

The festive season is fast approaching and employers can get prepared by checking the pay rates employees must be paid on public holidays and other public holiday employment obligations. This season's public holidays are: Christmas Day, Monday 25 December 2023 Boxing Day, Tuesday 26 December 2023 New Year’s Day, Monday 1 January 2024. Employers and employees in the state industrial relations...
Labour Relations
Department News
01 Dec 2023

Avoid a trip to the ED – safe summer tips for families

Safety warning for parents about the dangers of eRideables Quarter of drowning deaths in young children occurred in a pool in 2022-23 Trampolines and Christmas presents with button batteries can be hazardous With the warm weather here already, Consumer Protection has some timely safety tips for families to enjoy a safe summer. A fun way for kids to zip around outdoors is on a motorised scooter,...
Consumer Protection
Media release
30 Nov 2023

Commissioner's Blog: Electrical safety this summer

Decorative lights, electronic gifts and DIY projects are hallmarks of the festive season, prompting WA’s electrical safety regulator, Building and Energy, to share top tips for a safe summer. Festive lights are a popular addition to homes at this time of year, but damaged or incorrectly used lights can cause electric shocks and fires. Consumers are urged to check that lights, cords and plugs are...
Building and Energy / Consumer Protection
Media release
29 Nov 2023

Tenancy reform Bill knocking on Parliament's front door

Modernisation of WA tenancy laws begins with a Bill introduced to Parliament Rent increases limited to once every 12 months Greater freedom for tenants to keep pets and make minor modifications New dispute resolution procedure to deliver fast, fair and transparent outcomes New laws to improve the lives of Western Australian renters have been introduced to Parliament, as part of the Cook...
Consumer Protection
Media release
29 Nov 2023

Building surveyors cautioned and fined after development height dispute – Jonathan James Bovell and Bradley James Pike

Incorrect identification of floors as mezzanines rather than storeys Inadequate fire safety measures for the building’s actual effective height Building surveyors’ employer at the time is deregistered WA’s Building Services Board has cautioned and fined two building surveyors for misleading conduct in connection with a Scarborough apartment development. The Board found registered building...
Building and Energy
Media release
28 Nov 2023

Watch out for bushfire charity scams

Devastating Mariginiup bushfire a likely target for callous scammers Donors urged to be wary of fake websites and bogus social media posts Advice to only donate via Lord Mayor’s Distress Fund or licensed charities Kind-hearted Western Australians looking to donate to the victims of the Mariginiup bushfire are being warned by Consumer Protection to be wary of scammers who may set up fake charity...
Consumer Protection
Media release
28 Nov 2023

Alert to Perth motorists - fill up now to beat the petrol price rise

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 29 November 2023), the average price of Perth’s regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by over 34 cents...
Consumer Protection
Media release
28 Nov 2023

Standards Australia recent release – Set of 10 standards for gasfitters

Building and Energy would like to inform all Western Australian registered gasfitters that Standards Australia has recently created a Gasfitters set focusing on relevant standards for gasfitters. The set of standards include: AS/NZS 5601 Gas installations Part 1 and 2 AS/NZS 1596 The storage and handling of LP Gas AS 4575 Gas appliances – Servicing of Type A appliances AS/NZS 3814 Industrial and...
Building and Energy
Department News
27 Nov 2023

Spotlight on scams, tenancy, vulnerable communities

New Consumer Justice Strategy initiatives identified Call for banks and industry to do more on scam protection Tenancy law reforms, automotive industry compliance are other top priorities Lobbying Australian banks to improve scam prevention strategies, tightening tenancy laws, and improving support for vulnerable Western Australians are among the upcoming consumer focused priorities for the Cook...
Consumer Protection
Media release
24 Nov 2023

Don’t get stung by scams or parcel delays this shopping season

Scammers steal nearly $400,000 from WA online shoppers so far in 2023 Check delivery timeframes for online items to avoid missing Christmas deadline 33 extra trading hours approved to make Christmas shopping more convenient Online shoppers are urged to be on high alert for scams and to remember their consumer rights in the lead up to major retail events like the Black Friday, Cyber Monday and...
Consumer Protection
Media release
23 Nov 2023

Industrial inspectors inspect employers in the Mandurah/Rockingham area

During November, Private Sector Labour Relations industrial inspectors are conducting a proactive compliance campaign in the Mandurah/Rockingham area of WA. The campaign focusses on inspecting businesses in industries with known high levels of non-compliance such as cafes and restaurants, hairdressers, beauty salons and retailers. Private Sector Labour Relations is responsible for ensuring...
Labour Relations
Department News
22 Nov 2023

Plumber fined for unauthorised, defective work – Julian Francis North

PLUMBERS LICENSING BOARD – MEDIA STATEMENT A Butler plumber has been fined $5,500 for working beyond the scope of his licence and not rectifying a defective water heater that could have scalded users. At Armadale Magistrates Court on 29 September 2023, Julian Francis North (TL12335) pleaded guilty to two charges brought by the Plumbers Licensing Board. Mr North holds a plumbing tradesperson’s...
Building and Energy
Media release
22 Nov 2023

Shut the door on real estate and rental scammers

Buying or renting a residential property involves significant financial transactions which, increasingly, are targets for scammers. Over the last 12 month, WA ScamNet received 129 complaints of real estate and rental scams that left 74 West Australians almost one million dollars, in total, out of pocket. Rental and real estate scammers try to trick you out of your money when you need to transfer...
Consumer Protection
Media release
22 Nov 2023

Coverage of Farm Employees Award expanded

The Area and Scope and Definitions clauses of the state Farm Employees Award have been updated to expand the coverage of this WA award to a broader range of farm employees and their employers. This change, which is effective from 21 November2023, was made as part of a process being undertaken by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission to update the scope of a number of private...
Labour Relations
Department News
22 Nov 2023

Metal Trades (General) Award – Coverage expanded

The Area and Scope and Definitions clauses of the state Metal Trades (General) Award have been updated to expand the coverage of this WA award to a broader range of employees and their employers. This change, which is effective from 21 November 2023, was made as part of a process being undertaken by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission to update the scope of a number of private...
Labour Relations
Department News
22 Nov 2023

Tow truck company warned for misleading and unfair conduct (Specialized Tilt Tray and Towing Services Pty Ltd)

Distressed consumers are being misled following accidents 55 complaints against Specialized Tilt Tray and Towing Services in 17 months Non-disclosure agreements may contain unfair contract terms Consumer Protection is warning consumers about a tow truck company believed to be misleading consumers and then asking them to sign non-disclosure agreements to have their vehicle released from their...
Consumer Protection
Media release
21 Nov 2023

Alert to Perth motorists - fill up now to beat the petrol price rise

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 22 November 2023), the average price of Perth’s regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by 34 cents per...
Consumer Protection
Media release
21 Nov 2023

Mandatory training to continue to keep real estate and settlement sectors in top shape

Mandatory professional development to continue for WA real estate and settlement industries Ongoing education and training to maintain faith and confidence in industry participants Agents to administer and self-fund program The Cook Government has again thrown its support behind mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for everyone employed in the real estate and settlement sectors to...
Consumer Protection
Media release
15 Nov 2023

Commissioner's Blog: Knock knock – who’s there? Be spam aware!

Unsolicited sellers come in all shapes and sizes, trying to grab your attention to buy or sign up for their products or services. Traditionally, salespeople knock on your door to deliver a sales pitch in-person and Consumer Protection has regulations that control when they can visit you. Should you make an agreement with a door-to-door seller, they must provide a copy of the signed contract and...
Consumer Protection
Media release
15 Nov 2023

Alert to Perth motorists - fill up now to beat the petrol price rise

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 15 November 2023), the average price of Perth’s regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by over 34 cents...
Consumer Protection
Media release
14 Nov 2023

Which system of employment law applies to you?

Two systems of employment law operate for the private sector in Western Australia, the state industrial relations system and the national fair work system. Working out which system covers an employer and its employees is the first step in understanding and complying with employment rights and obligations and this depends on the employer’s business structure. The Guide to who is in the WA state...
Labour Relations
Department News
13 Nov 2023

Unlicensed car dealers on notice after $47,600 fine (Alix Aljilani)

Thornlie man convicted of selling 103 vehicles after deciding not to renew licence Consumer Protection warning to illegal dealers – “we will prosecute” Public urged to dob-in unlicensed motor vehicle dealers Buying and selling more than 100 vehicles in six months has seen a car seller who deliberately decided not to renew his dealer’s licence fined $47,600 by the Armadale Magistrates Court. Alix...
Consumer Protection
Media release
09 Nov 2023

Reforms to provide better short-stay regulation and encourage more rentals

All short-term rental accommodation providers to be required to register properties New $10,000 incentive for property owners to transition existing short-term rental accommodation into long-term rental homes for Western Australians Reforms to provide consistency across the sector and clarity on what is required to operate a short-term rental accommodation property The Cook Government has today...
Consumer Protection
Media release
09 Nov 2023

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