In June 2022, new employment obligations were introduced for people who directly employ someone to provide domestic services in their home. These people are referred to here as household employers. People who self-manage NDIS funding and directly employ their own support staff are likely to be household employers. Wageline has a publication specifically for household employers who employ a...

State Government campaign launched to empower new pet owners to understand their consumer rights 186 consumer complaints received about issues with new pets in the last three years Almost $30,000 total successfully refunded to complainants from 2020 to 2022 Commerce Minister Sue Ellery today launched a new pet buyer awareness campaign promoting Western Australians' rights when purchasing a pet,...

Consumers urged to be vigilant with risk of flood-damaged vehicles on the market Potential buyers advised to quiz sellers and do online vehicle history checks The vehicles may seem fine at first, but problems could arise after the sale Used vehicle buyers are being warned to carry out thorough checks with the risk of flood-damaged vehicles from the Kimberley being sold on the WA market. While the...

$5,682 fine and costs for trading in motor vehicles without a licence 19 vehicles bought and 18 sold during an almost two year period Public urged to dob in unlicensed backyard dealers The Perth Magistrates Court has imposed a $5,000 fine on a backyard motor vehicle dealer who operated without a licence for almost two years. Indrek Veskioja of Nollamarra pleaded guilty to buying 19 vehicles and...

WorkSafe has commenced prosecution action against a construction company over serious injuries suffered by two workers at a construction site on Rottnest Island. Firm Construction Pty Ltd has been charged with failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment and, by that failure, causing serious harm to two employees. In February 2020, workers employed by contractors to Firm...

Don’t disappoint loved ones this Valentine’s Day with online flowers or gifts that don’t arrive in time, or arrive in time but are not what you ordered. If you have left your shopping to the last minute, make sure to seek delivery guarantees when ordering online, so you know your flowers or gifts will arrive in time. For gifts that arrive but aren’t what was advertised online, such as flowers...

WA ScamNet has released a 2022 scam report, with 1,203 people reporting combined losses of $15,988,513 - a seven per cent increase on 2021’s recorded losses and recorded amount of victims. The report reveals online shopping and classified scams claimed the most victims. 274 online shoppers lost a total of $876,774, with 270 buyers and sellers on classified sites losing a total of $564,680 -...

WorkSafe is investigating the work-related death last night of a worker at BHP’s rail yard at South Hedland. The worker was reported to have been struck by a locomotive and was confirmed as deceased at the scene. WorkSafe investigators will examine the circumstances of the incident with a view to ensuring compliance and preventing future incidents of a similar nature. The incident is also under...

Fans hoping to still buy tickets to UFC event urged to be vigilant to scams Tickets sold in violation of ticket scalping laws could be cancelled and entry refused Some ads re-selling tickets illegally have already been taken down Fans who are desperate to attend the sold out Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC 284) event at Perth’s RAC Arena on Sunday night (12 February 2023) are being cautioned...

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 8 February 2023), the average price of regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by 24 cents per litre (cpl...

People in flood-affected communities in the Kimberley and generous West Australians wanting to help with donations, are being warned to be on the lookout for opportunistic scammers trying to steal money in the wake of this disaster. Scammers were posing as legitimate registered charity - Leedal Foundation Limited - in Fitzroy Crossing, using a fake Instagram account in their name, asking donors...

Media statement from Hon Sue Ellery BA MLC, Minister for Commerce Latest stage of security of payment reforms to protect building and construction subcontractors now in effect McGowan Government retention trust scheme election commitment delivered Increased powers to ensure good commercial behaviour in the building sector The McGowan Government has further improved payment protections for...