Consumer

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Process E: Repairing an existing fence where damage is caused by a natural act or by one owner’s actions

Damage caused by one neighbour Situations may arise where you consider that your neighbour or neighbours should be responsible for paying the entire repair of the fence because it has been damaged by their actions or inaction. The Act only recognises a limited set of circumstances where an...
Dividing fences
23 Jul 2021

Process D: Repairing an existing fence

Step one: Negotiate with your neighbour An agreement between neighbours has priority over the requirements of the Act so it is best to approach the owner of the adjoining land first. The Act does not specify the requirements for obtaining quotes, however, having quotes and a clear understanding of...
Dividing fences
23 Jul 2021

Process B: Constructing a new fence when the adjoining owner cannot be contacted

In this case you will need to contact the Magistrates Court before building the fence. If you can satisfy the court that you have made reasonable enquiries to locate the owner and have issued the required notification, the court may make an order authorising the owner to construct a fence of a kind...
Dividing fences
23 Jul 2021

Process C: Constructing a new fence where the adjoining owner’s land is vacant

Except where there is an agreement or a court order in place, you cannot recover any of the costs from the adjoining land that is vacant for constructing a sufficient fence unless or until the current owner of the adjoining land: has completed a substantial building or structure on the land; has...
Dividing fences
23 Jul 2021

Process A: Constructing a new fence on developed land

Step one: Negotiate with your neighbour An agreement between neighbours has priority over the requirements of the Act, therefore when issues with a dividing fence occur it is best to approach the owner of the adjoining land and try to resolve matters together. In order to reach agreement with a...
Dividing fences
22 Jul 2021

Emergency repairs and services

Advice for consumers affected by an emergency Depending what caused the emergency – an accident or a natural disaster - whatever the damage and cause, here are few steps to help you fix up your home and get the help you need. Stay safe – asbestos, electrical and gas safety In the case of an...
Tradespeople
22 Apr 2021

Consumer complaint contacts

The following organisations may be able to help you when you have a dispute or complaint. Categories: consumer protection agencies legal services various industry areas While this list highlights selected contacts in each category, there are others available. Consumer protection agencies Consumer...
Complaints
20 Apr 2021

BBQ gas cylinder changes

WATCH
New valves on LPG cylinders From 1 April 2021 LP Gas cylinders with new valves are being phased in. When you next exchange your BBQ or outdoor gas appliance LP Gas cylinder after 1 April 2021, you may receive a cylinder with the new valve. You won’t need to replace your BBQ or outdoor gas appliance...
Gas installations
15 Apr 2021

Safe use of portable generators

If your electricity has been interrupted, a portable generator can be a convenient way to maintain power to some appliances. However, it can pose serious health and safety risks if not installed or used correctly. To safely use a generator to power your house or office electrical installation you...
Electrical appliances
15 Apr 2021

Fuel wholesaler and retailer obligations

Wholesale suppliers' obligation Wholesaler suppliers have obligations they must meet as set in the the Petroleum Products Pricing Act 1983. At fuel terminals, a wholesale supplier must: Notify the Commissioner of their next day's spot price or TGP for each fuel type they sell Not refuse to supply...
FuelWatch
14 Apr 2021

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Publications

Operators and residents of residential parks and lifestyle villages: changes are on the way

READ
Operators and residents of residential parks and lifestyle villages Changes are on the way! From 31 January 2022, changes to the Residential Parks legislation take place. This will affect your...
Consumer Protection
Brochure
10 Dec 2021

Local government’s four yearly inspections of private swimming pool safety barriers 2020-21

READ
Progress report on local government’s four yearly inspections of private swimming pool safety barriers 2020-21. This Report is the third annual report on the progress of local governments’ pool inspection programs and is in response to recommendation 7 of the Ombudsman WA report Investigation into ways to prevent or reduce deaths of children by drowning , tabled in Parliament on 23 November 2017.
Building and Energy
Reports
02 Dec 2021

Can I lodge a building service complaint?

READ
As part of its function, Building and Energy provides an avenue for both consumers and builders to resolve disputes relating to workmanship issues in connection with a regulated building services and...
Building and Energy
Fact sheet
22 Oct 2021

Ask Us: Your rights when shopping

READ
This guide to your rights when shopping answers many common consumer questions and explains your rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). What if a supermarket scanner charges me too much?...
Consumer Protection
Fact sheet
21 Oct 2021

Ask Us: Unfair trading and you

READ
Misleading behaviour Misleading or deceptive behaviour is when a shop owner or trader presents an incorrect view about the price, value or quality of goods or services to you. A shop owner can break...
Consumer Protection
Fact sheet
21 Oct 2021

Ask us: Estimates and quotes

READ
Estimates and quotes are different ways of putting a price on a job or service before the job is done. What is a quote? A quote is the total amount a tradesperson agrees it will cost to do a job or...
Consumer Protection
Fact sheet
21 Oct 2021

Ask us: Buying big ticket items

READ
When buying expensive goods, including fridges, washing machines and televisions, there are many options available to help you make these purchases. Saving If you know you’re going to have to come up...
Consumer Protection
Fact sheet
21 Oct 2021

Ask Us: Mobile phones

READ
Before you buy a mobile phone or sign up to a contract you should be aware of these 10 things. 1. Shop around Look at many different types of plans, pre-paid, capped and monthly because call costs...
Consumer Protection
Fact sheet
21 Oct 2021

Ask Us: Book-up

READ
What is book-up? Book-up is short term credit offered by a shop owner that lets you buy goods or services and pay for them later. Some shop owners will charge a fee for allowing you to use book-up...
Consumer Protection
Fact sheet
20 Oct 2021

Don't come knocking (Aboriginal consumer video)

Experience tells us rogue traders are deliberately preying on Aboriginal consumers either door-to-door or over the phone in a telemarketing style. Don’t Come Knocking - The Australian Consumer Law...
Consumer Protection
Promotions
08 Jul 2022

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Announcements

Fine for unlicensed mobile vehicle repair work (Victor Wright / Ellenbrook Auto Services / Wrights Mobile Mechanical)

Unlicensed motor vehicle repairer to pay $2,000 fine and $566 in costs Repairer advertised services via Facebook and a website Consumers urged to do licence checks before engaging repairers An Ellenbrook motor vehicle repairer has been fined $2,000 by the Perth Magistrates Court for carrying out mobile mechanical repairs without a licence. Victor James Wright was also ordered to pay costs of $566...
Consumer Protection
Media release
23 Dec 2022

Commissoner's Blog: Unwrap eRideable rules before gifting one

Electric scooters, skateboards and hoverboards will no doubt appear under many Christmas trees this year, however there’s a very good reason why families should avoid buying eRideables as gifts for their children this festive season. While they may be an increasingly popular and fun way to get around, the reality is that eRideables are not toys and they are capable of causing very serious...
Consumer Protection
Media release
22 Dec 2022

Use your consumer rights to avoid post-Christmas disappointment

Consumer guarantees kick in if gift is faulty, unsafe or not as advertised ‘Change of mind’ not covered by the law, subject to the store’s returns policy Redeem gift cards as soon as possible in case retailer goes out of business WA consumers are being reminded about their rights should Christmas joy turn to disappointment when gifts end up being faulty, unsafe or not as described. In these...
Consumer Protection
Media release
22 Dec 2022

Warning about dangerous Christmas lights after electric shock injury

LED String Fairy Lights Net Mesh does not comply with electrical safety standards Buyers of this product must discontinue use and unplug immediately One consumer has reported an electrical shock injury needing hospital treatment Consumers are being urgently warned about dangerous Christmas lights that have caused an electric shock injury and are believed to have been sold recently in WA. In a...
Building and Energy / Consumer Protection
Media release
22 Dec 2022

New entrant in Perth’s fuel market named cheapest site in a record year

A new entrant into Perth’s fuel market has topped the list of the cheapest non-membership outlets in the Perth metropolitan area for 2022, in a year when high fuel prices broke all-time records. Atlas Fuel Kwinana offered Perth drivers an average price for regular unleaded petrol (ULP) of 165.7 cents per litre (cpl) throughout the year. The nearby Vibe Kwinana OPT came in second with 166 cpl and...
Consumer Protection
Media release
19 Dec 2022

Commissioner's Blog: Stay safe around water this summer

With the warm summer months upon us, many families will spend more time outdoors and around water, so it is important to be aware of the risks to keep safe while having fun in the sun. Sadly 339 people have lost their lives to drowning in Australia this year, according to figures from Royal Life Saving Australia. Rivers and creeks accounted for 34 per cent of all drowning deaths, followed by...
Consumer Protection
Media release
15 Dec 2022

No summer holiday for your pool safety barriers

Effective, well-maintained and compliant pool safety barriers can help save lives Pool gates must never be propped open Only adults should supervise young children; don’t rely on older children for this Useful resources available from Building and Energy With summer school holidays starting, Western Australians are urged to check their pool safety barriers, keep pool gates closed and ensure young...
Building and Energy
Media release
14 Dec 2022

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. FuelWatch reports that, from 6am tomorrow (Wednesday 14 December 2022), the average price of regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by 24 cents per litre (cpl) to 185.3 cpl. Coles Express and 7-Eleven hiking by between 40-46 cpl up to 199.9 cpl; EG Ampol up to 195.9 cpl; BP up...
Consumer Protection
Media release
13 Dec 2022

Be prudent when pruning to avoid electrical hazards near trees

Home owners urged to hire professionals to trim trees near power lines Hazards include electric shock, arcing, fire and falls Vegetation should be kept 2m clear of most urban power lines As Western Australians tidy up their gardens for summer, the State’s electrical safety regulator has issued a reminder about rules and responsibilities for trimming trees near overhead power lines. Building and...
Building and Energy
Media release
07 Dec 2022

New guide to help safeguard against cyclones

Advice on what to do before, during and after a cyclone Developed by Building and Energy in collaboration with Engineers Australia Checklists summarise key advice from several organisations A new guide is available with practical tips for protecting people and buildings against cyclone damage. The fact sheet , developed by Building and Energy in collaboration with Engineers Australia’s Cyclone...
Building and Energy
Media release
06 Dec 2022

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