Consumer

Topics

Travel

Holidays can be an expensive so it is always a good idea to compare travel packages as well as the cost of individual flights, trips and hotel accommodation before you purchase anything. Buying travel Prices will vary considerably depending on the season in which you are travelling, the standard of...
Travel
01 Jul 2014

Building Act fees

Applications for occupancy permits and building approval certificates Application for an occupancy permit for a completed building (s. 46) The fee is $110.00 Application for a temporary occupancy permit for an incomplete building (s. 47) The fee is $110.00 Application for modification of an...
Building Act fees
01 Jul 2014

Electrical appliance approval marks

What are acceptable approval marks for electrical appliances? Known Certification Marks Type of approval mark Example Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) RCM approval mark.jpg, by Electricity When used in conjunction with AS/NZS 4417.1 and authorised by the certifier Other Markings Q<number> ESO...
Electrical appliances
30 Jun 2014

Dangers of carbon monoxide

What is carbon monoxide? Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas which may be produced by faulty, poorly maintained or misused gas appliances. You may not know you have been exposed to potentially fatal levels of carbon monoxide until the symptoms of poisoning become severe...
Gas appliances
26 Jun 2014

Building and Energy media contact

The Media Liaison Officer is the first point of contact for journalists and other members of the media wanting information about Building and Energy (formerly the Building Commission and Energy Safety ) and its activities. Contact the media liaison officer: Email: bemedia@dmirs.wa.gov.au Mobile:...
About Building and Energy
26 Jun 2014

Baby slings

Many parents carry their babies in slings for ease and comfort. However care must be taken when using baby slings and carriers because there are currently no Australian Standards for the manufacture of these products sold in Australia. Please note, baby slings and carriers can be dangerous if not...
Product safety for consumers
25 Jun 2014

Building contracts

It is very important to read the building contract thoroughly and get legal advice from your lawyer if you are unsure. The building contract is a complex document and is generally made up of: the building contract, including a Schedule of Particulars, Addenda or Appendix; drawings; and...
Building or renovating a property
05 Jun 2014

FuelWatch and fuel prices

WATCH
Finding the cheapest fuel near you is easy and fast with FuelWatch The FuelWatch interactive map shows fuel prices available near you, making it simpler to find the best deal. Prices shown on FuelWatch are the standard cash price exclusive of any discounts or charges, such as shopper docket...
FuelWatch
30 May 2014

Consumer Protection forms

Consumer Protection has a variety of prescribed (mandatory) and template forms. The links below are to help you find the form you need: Licences Motor vehicle industry licensing fees and forms (Motor vehicle dealers, salespersons, yard managers, car market operators, repairers and repair businesses...
Online resources
30 May 2014

Claiming compensation

You can claim compensation if you can prove you have had a 'consequential loss'. This is the cost to you caused by a problem with goods or services. Compensation is usually for financial costs but can include other costs, such as lost time or productivity. What can I get compensated for? A supplier...
Your consumer rights
28 May 2014

Pages

Publications

Australian Consumer Law - Refunds and returns

READ
Refunds and returns sign sample We are not required to provide a refund or replacement if you change your mind. But you can choose a refund or exchange if an item has a major problem. This is when...
Consumer Protection
Flyers
07 Nov 2017

The Australian Consumer Law and your safety

READ
You are entitled to expect safe goods and services From 1 January 2011, every Australian consumer will be protected in the same way under the Australian Consumer Law from unsafe consumer products and...
Consumer Protection
Fact sheet
02 Nov 2017

Supplementary report – Perth Children’s Hospital audit: fire walls

READ
An audit of contractor and product performance in the construction of fire walls at the new Perth Children’s Hospital.
Building and Energy
Reports
23 Oct 2017

Final Report 2016 - 2017

READ
The department's final annual report for 2016-2017 presents information on its statutory compliance, financial, non-financial and operational performance, in accordance with the requirements of the...
Corporate
Reports
16 Oct 2017

Dispute with a business? A consumer guide to finding help ACL

READ
About this guide This guide will help you find assistance when you are in dispute with a business. Your rights when you buy, hire or lease goods, or pay for services, are set out by the Australian...
Consumer Protection
Information
26 Sep 2023

The Australian Consumer Law and your business

READ
Simpler regulation for your business From 1 January 2011, every Australian business will have the same rights and responsibilities under the Australian Consumer Law. By knowing your rights and...
Consumer Protection
Information
06 Jul 2021

General Inspection Report One: A general inspection into metal roof construction

READ
A general inspection report into the construction of sheet metal clad timber framed roofing in Perth metropolitan and South West regions.
Building and Energy
Reports
10 Oct 2017

Fire safety in existing apartment buildings

READ
While apartment living has many advantages, the fire at the Grenfell Tower in London and other fire events in Australia and around the world have highlighted the importance of fire safety in high-...
Building and Energy
Fact sheet
03 Oct 2017

Home safety for baby takeaway tips

READ
To keep your baby safe, please follow our tips.
Consumer Protection
Fact sheet
13 Dec 2022

General Inspection Report Two: A general inspection into Yuanda-supplied products in the Western Australian building industry

READ
A general inspection into the use of Yuanda products in Western Australian buildings.
Building and Energy
Reports
31 Aug 2017

Pages

Announcements

WA businesses face tough penalties for unfair consumer contracts

Businesses that mislead or treat consumers unfairly face new and higher penalties Standard form consumer contracts may need to be reviewed and updated to comply New adoption mechanism used for the first time to update WA laws with national changes Businesses that present Western Australian consumers with unfair terms in their standard form contracts could soon face tough penalties following...
Consumer Protection
Media release
28 Jul 2023

Commissioner's Blog: Keep kids safe and warm this winter

During the chilly months, it’s important to keep our families warm while also staying vigilant to the potential dangers of commonly-used heating products. Children are particularly vulnerable to burns and accidents from ‘winter warmers’ such as hot water bottles, open flames, heaters and loose-fitting sleepwear. While hot water bottles are a cheap and popular way to fend off the cold, they can...
Consumer Protection
Media release
26 Jul 2023

Administration of Modco Residential

Building and Energy is advising home owners who have contracts with insolvent builder Modco Residential Pty Ltd to contact home indemnity insurance (HII) provider QBE. The Perth building company’s external administration notice was published today (26 July 2023). Building and Energy understands Modco Residential was directly contracted for 29 residential building projects that are yet to be...
Building and Energy
Media release
26 Jul 2023

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. 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 26 July 2023), the average price of regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by 29 cents per litre (cpl) to...
Consumer Protection
Media release
25 Jul 2023

Consumers urged to exercise caution dealing with licensed car dealer (Ventura Autos Pty Ltd)

Ventura Autos Pty Ltd continues to sell unroadworthy vehicles to consumers. 136 complaints received by Consumer Protection from WA consumers since 2016. Five compliance visits have resulted in 43 defect notices being issued. Consumer Protection warns WA consumers to exercise caution when buying vehicles from a licenced car dealer in Welshpool, after receiving 136 complaints relating to it selling...
Consumer Protection
Media release
20 Jul 2023

Commissioner's Blog: Spot the clues of fake online reviews

Word of mouth recommendations in the real-world can be a useful tool when deciding which product or service to buy, however the same can’t always be said when seeking out this type of guidance online. Nearly 40 per cent of consumers turn to the internet to read user reviews as part of their research, according to an investigation by consumer advocacy group CHOICE, but it may not be immediately...
Consumer Protection
Media release
19 Jul 2023

$75,000 fine for profit-driven and illegal electrical advice – Pascoes Maintenance Group Pty Ltd

Unqualified employee told to follow a script and manual to upsell electrical work Bonus scheme encouraged sales of electrical safety packages for at least $4,000 Vulnerable consumers told their homes and families were unsafe Pascoes Maintenance Group Pty Ltd has been fined $75,000 for instructing an unqualified employee to assess electrical installations as part of an “upselling” sales strategy...
Building and Energy
Media release
19 Jul 2023

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. 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 19 July 2023), the average price of regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by 30 cents per litre (cpl) to...
Consumer Protection
Media release
18 Jul 2023

Liquidation of City Residence Pty Ltd

Following the liquidation of Perth builder City Residence Pty Ltd , Building and Energy is advising affected property owners to contact QBE to discuss a home indemnity insurance claim. City Residence appointed liquidators yesterday (12 July 2023). Building and Energy understands the company was yet to complete 13 residential building projects. Building and Energy Acting Executive Director Nabil...
Building and Energy
Media release
13 Jul 2023

Say bon voyage to unsafe travel adaptors

Electric shock risk if power adaptors do not meet Australian safety standards Check for compliance symbol, insulated pins and no exposed metal when in use Buy from reputable retailers and be cautious about overseas or online sales A rise in electric shock reports has prompted a warning from WA’s energy safety regulator about dangerous travel adaptors that are not approved for use in Australia...
Building and Energy
Media release
13 Jul 2023

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