WA Fitness Industry Code of Practice review

Community and fitness industry feedback has recently been sought on the experience and operation of the Fair Trading (Fitness Industry Code of Practice) Regulations 2020 (WA) (Fitness Code).

The Fitness Code commenced on 1 July 2021 and replaced the Fair Trading (Fitness Industry Code of Practice) Regulations 2010 (WA). The objective of the Fitness Code is to promote a fair market between fitness providers and consumers and to improve consumer understanding and choice. The Fitness Code is intended to increase public confidence in fitness centres and other fitness suppliers by establishing mandatory standards of conduct across the industry.

The Fitness Code applies to all fitness suppliers in Western Australia and includes the owner of a gym, franchisee of a fitness centre, a person operating a business as a personal trainer or a fitness instructor.  

As the Fair Trading Act 2010 (WA) (the Act) allows for a code of practice to be made for an initial three-year period, the Fitness Code had an expiry date of 30 June 2024. The Act permits the removal of the expiry, if the Commissioner for Consumer Protection undertakes a review of the Fitness Code involving consulation before the expiry date.