Longer cooling off period under new fitness industry code of practice

This announcement is for: 
Consumer

The cooling off period for fitness industry contracts will increase to seven days from the current 48 hours under an updated mandatory Code of Practice that will come into effect on 1 July 2021.

The new Code, to be part of the Fair Trading Act, will be expanded to include other fitness service providers apart from traditional gyms, such as personal trainers and group exercise organisers.

Clearer membership agreements, transparent pricing to make comparisons easier, protection of personal information and simplifying the cancellation process are other features of the new regulations.

There are also specific provisions to ensure that suppliers of fitness services and their staff don’t engage in high pressure sales tactics or make statements that are misleading or unfair.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Lanie Chopping said the updated Code addresses some new issues identified with fitness memberships.

“There has been a huge growth in the variety of fitness services being offered outside of gyms, so the Code will be widened to capture those providers as well,” Ms Chopping said.

“The content and layout of contracts will be clarified and a summary statement included to help consumers understand their responsibilities and the costs involved. It will be made clear whether it involves an ongoing month-to-month renewal or is a fixed term contract of no longer than 12 months.

“Members are to be notified by the provider before the automatic renewal of their memberships to give them a chance to cancel it without penalty should they wish to do so.

Cancelling memberships can also raise issues for consumers so the regulations will allow for full disclosure of cancellation fees in the contract, electronic notification from members and immediate cancellation of direct debit arrangements. Cancellation fees need to be a true reflection of reasonable administration costs associated with the termination of the agreement.

“The new Code was developed after extensive consultation with the public and industry and submissions overwhelmingly supported the continuation of an updated industry code.”

The Fitness Industry Code of Practice can be viewed on the Consumer Protection website. Enquiries can be made by email consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54.

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Media Contact: Alan Hynd, (08) 6552 9248 / 0429 078 791 / alan.hynd@dmirs.wa.gov.au

Consumer Protection
Media release
01 Oct 2020

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