New licence category proposed for dealers wanting to sell on consignment Character test for licence applicants and their associates to be strengthened Specific dealer training to focus on laws and practices for consignment sales Losses incurred by owners when selling their motor vehicles and caravans on consignment have prompted action by the McGowan Government with a new licence category to be...

Some Western Australians may be worrying about keeping a roof over their heads, as competition continues to remain high for rental properties right across the state. Consumer Protection has been fielding enquiries from tenants who have received eviction notices because their landlord plans to sell the home in order to cash-in on rising property prices. Some tenants are also facing the prospect of...

A Bayswater waste recycling company has been fined $230,000 after successfully appealing an earlier conviction in which it was fined $330,000 over an incident in which a labour hire worker’s arm was amputated at the shoulder. Resource Recovery Solutions Pty Ltd was previously found guilty and sentenced in November 2020 for two offences – gross negligence in failing to provide and maintain a safe...

Product safety recall for various pool gate latches made by Aristo Glass Products The faulty gate latches may not latch properly and pose a drowning risk for children Consumers are reminded that pool safety is an all-year-round issue Building and Energy is alerting consumers about a recall of several faulty latches that may fail to securely shut swimming pool gates, creating a drowning risk for...

Undetected electrical error due to lack of testing step in procedure Voltage rises caused damage to electrical appliances at a Lancelin property Magistrate advised Western Power to speed up its review of procedures Western Power has been fined $45,000 for not providing adequate testing instructions, which would have detected an electrical error that caused almost $600 of damage at a Lancelin...

Unauthorised withdrawal of a $50,000 deposit after business sale settlement Business broker and his company fined a total of $7,000 plus $1,000 in costs Warning that violations of trust account laws will not be tolerated A West Perth business sales agent and his company have been fined by the State Administrative Tribunal after making an unauthorised $50,000 withdrawal from the agency’s trust...

Electric shock risks from Spa Quip 800 and 1200 controllers Flexible socket can allow equipment to be plugged in incorrectly A Perth man died after connecting a pump’s electrical plug upside-down Action by Western Australia’s electrical safety regulator has led to the national recall of hazardous spa components involved in the tragic death of a Perth man. Building and Energy prohibited the sale...

Easter is almost here, so now is a good time for state system employers and employees to check public holiday entitlements for the Easter period. Easter Sunday is now a public holiday in WA, and the public holidays for the 2022 Easter period are: Good Friday – 15 April Easter Sunday – 17 April Easter Monday – 18 April The Easter 2022 public holiday entitlements page provides information on...

For the first time in a long time, our borders are open and many Western Australians will be looking forward to long-awaited trips or family reunions. While we understand many consumers will be keen to make interstate or overseas travel plans, it is important to have realistic expectations given the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the cancellation of travel services is due to COVID...

‘Live’ metal objects at four Kingsley homes after wrong cable disconnected Inadequate instructions provided to workers and contractors Guilty plea for failing to ensure that network maintenance was carried out safely Western Power has been fined $30,000 following an error by one of its contractors, which led to a Kingsley man receiving an electric shock and nearby residents being exposed to...

Scam victims lured by promises of a high income for little work Employment scam quickly evolves into a Ponzi scheme Victims tricked into paying more fees for a higher status and income WA job seekers have fallen victim to an elaborate employment scam and Ponzi scheme that has so far claimed ten victims who have reported losing a total of $130,300. The largest individual loss reported to WA...

An entitlement to two weeks’ unpaid pandemic leave has been re-introduced for private sector state system employees. The unpaid pandemic leave provisions were implemented through the COVID-19 General Order issued by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission on 25 March 2022. The General Order applies until 30 September 2022, unless extended. The COVID-19 General Order applies to...