Small to medium-sized regional businesses can learn how to be competitive and win contracts at the next round of business briefings in Pinjarra, Katanning and Port Hedland.
Read the rest of the media statement at the WA Governement site.
Regional Western Australia is now experiencing unprecedented mobile and internet coverage, thanks to the completion of the $40 million Regional Mobile Telecommunications Project, made possible by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.
Read the rest of the media statement at the WA Government site.
The Manjimup-based Truffle and Wine Company has taken out top honours in the 2014 WA Industry and Export Awards, winning the Premier’s Award for Excellence and Regional Exporter of the Year.
Read the rest of the media statement at the WA Government site.
The average cost of unleaded petrol is set to increase by around 9 cents per litre (cpl) to 133.1 cpl tomorrow, so FuelWatch is encouraging Perth drivers to fill up today to save money.
FuelWatch advises that on Thursday 16 April 2015, most BP, Caltex, Caltex Woolworths and Coles Express sites are increasing their ULP prices by 12 cpl to 135.9 cpl; and the majority of Puma sites to 134.9 cpl.
Perth’s weekly petrol price cycle results in prices, on average, being cheapest on Tuesday and Wednesday and at their most expensive on Thursday and Friday – that’s why we recommend filling up today.
If you need to fill up tomorrow, use FuelWatch as there are still 30 sites selling below 122 cpl. The difference between the highest and lowest priced sites is 19 cpl, which means you can save up to $11 on a 60 litre tank of fuel.
Wednesday’s cheapest ULP is available for:
Thursday’s cheapest ULP will be available for:
Drivers can head to the mobile compatible www.fuelwatch.wa.gov.au site to find the cheapest fuel in their area. Log on after 2.30pm each day to compare today’s and tomorrow’s prices. You can also sign up for free emails along with the 37,000 others who benefit from daily updates. Alternatively, phone 1300 30 40 54.
END OF RELEASE
Media contact (Consumer Protection)
Consumer Protection is warning Western Australians to be wary of uninvited offers to buy cheap, but supposedly high quality, Turkish rugs.
The offers are being made by an itinerant carpet seller operating in WA targeting people who have recently returned from holidays to Turkey.
It is believed the travellers may have left their contact details with businesses in Turkey which have somehow been passed on to the carpet seller.
The seller is contacting people by phone and claiming to have imported the rugs into Australia to sell but for various reasons has been unable to do so.
He says he cannot return the rugs to Turkey because it will be too expensive to pay taxes and is selling them at a huge discount.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll said victims have lost between $1,500 and $5,000 after meeting the man and being persuaded to buy the rugs.
“Victims have told Consumer Protection the rug seller was very forceful and bullied them into purchasing the rugs,” Ms Driscoll said.
“The seller is taking payment in cash and not offering a receipt or any form of documentation for the rugs which contravenes the Australian Consumer Law. Claims about the quality and authenticity of the rugs are most likely to be untrue.
“The seller is breaking door-to-door trading laws by not providing a ten day cooling off period which is required for any unsolicited sales over the value of $100.”
Anyone with information should call Consumer Protection on 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au.
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Media contact (Consumer Protection)
WorkSafe is conducting an inspection program to look at safety standards in the scrap metal industry.
The program is being conducted in both metropolitan and regional areas.
WorkSafe Director Joe Attard said today this sector was being targeted because of the high level of notices issued.
"Inspectors are finding plenty of reasons to issue notices when they visit scrap metal businesses, and this high level of enforcement action is a cause for concern,” Mr Attard said.
“Statistics show that scrap metal workers face some specific injury risks in the course of their work, particularly injuries incurred while performing manual tasks while handling, lifting, carrying or putting down objects.
“They also risk injury from falls, both from height and from the same level, and being hit by moving objects.
“The most common location of injury is the lower back, followed by the shoulders and knees, and the occupations that record the most injuries are truck drivers, followed by recycling and rubbish collectors.
“The work activities that result in injuries are diverse, but mostly relate to trucks, bins and containers, loading plant, traffic and ground surfaces.
“We need to ensure that employers have the information they require to make their workplaces safer, so inspectors will look closely at manual tasks and falls, and also look at machinery guarding, mobile plant, electricity, hazardous substances and personal protective equipment.”
Inspections will be conducted with the aid of a checklist to ensure consistency, and this checklist can be accessed on WorkSafe’s website so employers will know what will be expected if they are visited by an inspector.
“WorkSafe has an extensive schedule of proactive inspection programs concentrating on particular industries or activities or specific geographical areas aimed at raising awareness and providing information,” Mr Attard said.
“We firmly believe that raising awareness with proactive programs is the best way in which to lessen the risk of work-related injury and illness, but inspectors will take enforcement action during the program if necessary.”
Further information can be found in the checklist for this program or by telephoning WorkSafe on 1300 307877.
Media contact: Caroline De Vaney 6251 2363 or 0408 927563 (media enquiries only)
caroline.devaney@commerce.wa.gov.au
Follow @WorkSafeWA on Twitter
A property management company and its licensee have been fined a total of $4,000 by the State Administrative Tribunal over the misuse of the agency’s trust account.
South Coast Realty (WA) Pty Ltd, trading as Rental Solutions of Hay Street Perth, was fined $3,000 and licence holder Kim Edward Turner was fined $1,000 on 26 March 2015.
Consumer Protection took disciplinary action after an audit found the agency failed to comply with the Real Estate and Business Agents Act with regard to the operation of its trust account between January 2012 and December 2012.
The company admitted that it failed to keep full and accurate trust account records and failed to exercise due skill, care and diligence in the maintenance of the trust account in the 2012 audit year. Mr Turner admitted that he failed to properly supervise the business.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll said it’s essential that trust accounts are operated according to the law in order to maintain the public’s confidence in the industry.
“Real estate agencies and property management companies hold large amounts of money in trust for tenants and property owners – that’s why there are strict rules surrounding the handling of those funds and regular auditing of trust accounts.” Ms Driscoll said.
“While there was no monetary loss for clients in this case, agents, property managers and their employees should be aware of the procedures relating to the handling of bond and rent payments from tenants and make sure there are systems in place to ensure the funds are handled and accounted for in accordance with the law.”
More information on the obligations of real estate agents and sales representatives is available on the Consumer Protection website: www.commerce.wa.gov.au/cp/realestate or enquiries can be made by email: consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54.
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Media contact (Consumer Protection)
Consumer Protection advises shoppers and shop owners of the retail trading hours for the ANZAC Day long weekend.
All general retail shops in the Perth metropolitan area will be closed on ANZAC Day this Saturday. The only stores allowed to open on this day are those that have applied for and been issued with Small or Special Retail Shop Certificates.
Special retail shops are those that provide items considered necessary for emergency, convenience or recreational goods and include, among others: pharmacies; garden nurseries; hardware and home improvement shops; newsagencies and bookshops; video shops; art and craft shops; souvenir and duty free shops; shops at sports venues; boating shops; motor vehicle spare parts shops; and shops at international standard hotels.
Restaurants, cafés and take away food shops are free to trade at any time, including on ANZAC Day.
In the metropolitan area, Sunday trading for general retail shops will be 11am to 5pm as normal and trading on the public holiday Monday has been extended from 8am to 6pm.
For regional areas, trading hours may vary so businesses and consumers are advised to contact their local councils.
For further information regarding retail trading hours contact Consumer Protection on (08) 6251 1406 or visit www.commerce.wa.gov.au/tradinghours.
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Media contact (Consumer Protection)
Nedlands building company Minchin & Sims Pty Ltd (Reg. BC7666) and its sole director and nominated supervisor Toby John Bird (Reg. BP10807) have been formally cautioned by the Building Services Board for failing to pay an order of the Building Commissioner on time and for negligent conduct.
In July 2014 the company was ordered to pay a Nornalup property owner $42,449 for repairs necessary to rectify faulty or unsatisfactory building work. The company failed to comply with the order by the due date but later paid the amount in full after receiving a letter from the property owner’s legal representative.
The company was also found to be negligent in failing to ensure a valid policy of home indemnity insurance was in place before commencing residential building work at a Dalkeith property in April 2012. The home indemnity insurance policy issued to the property’s owner named an unrelated person as the policy’s beneficiary and therefore did not meet the requirements of the Home Building Contracts Act 1991.
Western Australia’s building laws require a policy of home indemnity insurance to be in place for all residential building work valued over $20,000.
“It is the builder’s responsibility to take out a policy of home indemnity insurance in the owner’s name when it is required before accepting payment or commencing building work,” said Building Commissioner Peter Gow.
“Home indemnity insurance is an important protection for consumers and failure to obtain a valid policy when required puts the consumer at significant risk of financial loss if the builder cannot complete the building work or meet a valid claim for faulty or unsatisfactory building work because of death, disappearance or insolvency.
“The Building Commission will continue to name those who put consumer interests and the reputation of the building industry at risk.”
For information on builders’ responsibilities, visit the Building Commission website, phone 1300 489 099 or email bcinfo@commerce.wa.gov.au.
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Building Commission media contacts (for journalists/producers only)
Cannington builder Jamie Johnson (BC7035 & BP7035) trading as J. Johnson Building has been ordered by the Building Services Board to pay fines of $5,000 for two counts of negligent conduct.
Mr Johnson was found to be negligent in carrying out a building service involving the construction of three grouped dwellings at an East Cannington property between June 2011 and April 2014 without a valid building permit and contrary to the approved plans. Both are offences under the Building Act 2011, which led to disciplinary action and fines being ordered by the Board under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011.
Mr Johnson continued to carry out the building service for at least nine months after the building permit had expired, including engaging persons to carry out electrical, plumbing, gas and building work onsite.
Officers from the Building Commission also uncovered a discrepancy in the materials used in the construction of the roof which were not listed on the building permit and the approved plans. Rather than the roof being tiled, Mr Johnson used light-weight, corrugated roof sheeting.
“Mr Johnson’s actions demonstrate a disregard for the building laws, which is inexcusable given his 28 years working as a registered builder,” Building Commissioner Peter Gow said.
“To carry out a building service without a current building permit and failing to comply with the approved plans is irresponsible and dangerous. Roofs in particular are a high risk area – especially when light-weight materials are used incorrectly as this could result in the roof failing during a high wind event, cornices cracking or an array of other issues.
“The fines imposed by the Board in this instance send a clear message to anyone who intends to break the building laws that this conduct has the potential to compromise public safety and can attract significant penalties.
“The Building Commission will continue to name those who put consumer interests and the reputation of the building industry at risk.”
For information on builders’ responsibilities, visit the Building Commission website, phone 1300 489 099 or email bcinfo@commerce.wa.gov.au.
END OF RELEASE
Building Commission media contacts (for journalists/producers only)
The average cost of unleaded petrol is set to increase by around 11 cents per litre (cpl) to 135.9 cpl tomorrow, so FuelWatch is encouraging Perth drivers to fill up today to save money.
FuelWatch advises that on Thursday 23 April 2015, most Caltex, Coles Express and Puma sites are increasing their ULP prices by 16 cpl to 139.9 cpl; majority of Caltex Woolworths sites to 138.9 cpl and most BP sites to 137.9 cpl.
Perth’s weekly petrol price cycle results in prices, on average, being cheapest on Tuesday and Wednesday and at their most expensive on Thursday and Friday – that’s why we recommend filling up today.
If you need to fill up tomorrow, use FuelWatch as there are still 40 sites selling below 124 cpl. The difference between the highest and lowest priced sites is 21 cpl, which means you can save up to $12 on a 60 litre tank of fuel.
Wednesday’s cheapest ULP is available for:
Thursday’s cheapest ULP will be available for:
Drivers can head to the mobile compatible www.fuelwatch.wa.gov.au site to find the cheapest fuel in their area. Log on after 2.30pm each day to compare today’s and tomorrow’s prices. You can also sign up for free emails along with the 37,000 others who benefit from daily updates. Alternatively, phone 1300 30 40 54.
END OF RELEASE
Media contact (Consumer Protection)
A car yard has been fined $1,000 by the Bunbury Magistrates Court for selling a used vehicle while it was still under a repair order issued by Consumer Protection.
Kavannaqc Pty Ltd, trading as Bunbury Car Warehouse, was also required to pay costs of $1,282 after pleading guilty on 23 April 2015 to breaching the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act.
In March 2014, compliance officers from Consumer Protection inspected the car yard and issued an “Order to Remedy Defects” notice after discovering a vehicle for sale had a cracked windscreen. Under the Act, the vehicle cannot be sold until the defect has been rectified and the vehicle inspected by the Department of Transport.
Although the windscreen had been repaired, the vehicle was sold in April 2014 while the order was still in place and the required inspection was not carried out until May 2014 when the vehicle was returned for warranty repairs. Driving a vehicle subject to a work order could negate the third party insurance on the vehicle’s registration and possibly the owner’s private insurance and presents an unacceptable risk to the consumer who was unaware of the defect notice.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll said it was essential car dealers comply with these orders in every way to ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicles and not compromise the insurance cover.
“The requirement for motor vehicle dealers to get cars inspected following the issuing of a repair notice is intended to ensure the safety of car buyers. I would urge dealers to comply with this aspect of the law to ensure that vehicles meet roadworthy standards and to avoid prosecution,” Ms Driscoll said.
Further information about the obligations of motor vehicle dealers is available on the Consumer Protection website www.commerce.wa.gov.au/motorvehicles. Enquiries can be made by emailing consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54.
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Media contact (Consumer Protection)
Cannington building company Primestyle Pty Ltd (Reg. BC10592) and its managing director and nominated supervisor Pietro Tilli (Reg. BC10032) have been ordered to pay fines totalling $7,000 and costs of $700 to the Building Commissioner for failing to comply with an order of the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT).
In June 2012 the SAT ordered Primestyle to remedy building work at a Bellevue property by November 2012 and pay costs of $6,187.50 to the home owner within 28 days from the date of the order.
The owner, who had purchased a home built by Primestyle, had found a number of issues with the building work, including cracks in the external brickwork and internal plaster work.
Primestyle did not remedy the works until 24 May 2013 and did not pay the costs until 29 January 2015, resulting in the company having failed to comply with the orders of the SAT.
In disciplinary proceedings initiated by the Building Commission and authorised by the Building Services Board, the matter was settled on 25 March 2015 on the basis that Primestyle would pay a fine of $5,000 and $700 in costs, and Mr Tilli a $2,000 fine, for failing to comply with the order of the SAT.
“For Primestyle Pty Ltd and Mr Tilli as its managing director and nominated supervisor to fail to comply with an order of the State Administrative Tribunal is unacceptable and shows a disregard for the building laws and the powers of this independent State body,” Building Commissioner Peter Gow said.
“This behaviour is certainly not what we expect of a registered builder. The fines imposed by the SAT in this instance send a clear message to anyone who intends to break the building laws that this conduct can attract significant penalties.
“The Building Commission will continue to prosecute and name those who put consumer interests and the reputation of the building industry at risk.”
For information on builders’ responsibilities, visit the Building Commission website www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-commission, phone 1300 489 099 or email bcinfo@commerce.wa.gov.au.
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Building Commission media contacts (for journalists/producers only)
Beckenham unregistered builder John Dawson, trading as Patio Parts and Patio Power, has been successfully prosecuted by the Building Commissioner for registration and contractual offences that have left owners of a Gooseberry Hill property with unsatisfactory work and over $67,000 out of pocket.
In proceedings finalised at the Midland Magistrates Court on Friday 10 April 2015, Mr Dawson was ordered to pay fines totalling $21,000 and costs of $1,350 after pleading guilty to six charges under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011 and the Home Building Contracts Act 1991. The offences were in relation to building work Mr Dawson carried out at a Gooseberry Hill property between 30 October 2011 and 18 May 2012.
Mr Dawson was convicted of one charge each of:
In May 2013, the Building Commissioner issued a Building Remedy Order for Mr Dawson to pay $67,430 to the property’s owners but Mr Dawson subsequently declared bankruptcy. As Mr Dawson did not obtain a policy of home indemnity insurance, the owners have been unable to recover any money to rectify the work.
In Western Australia, if residential building work is valued over $20,000, the builder is required to take out a policy of home indemnity insurance in the owner’s name before accepting payment or commencing work. This insurance protects an owner if the builder cannot complete the building work or meet a valid claim for faulty or unsatisfactory building work because of death, disappearance or insolvency of the builder.
Building Commissioner Peter Gow said the case highlights the need for home owners to ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities before they engage a building service provider.
“Mr Dawson’s actions show a blatant disregard not only for the building laws but also for the rights and the safety of the home owners who engaged his services,” Mr Gow said.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is for home owners to protect themselves from unsafe and unsatisfactory work by checking the building service provider holds the required registration or licence before engaging them to carry out the work.
“The Building Commission will continue to prosecute and name those who put consumer interests and the reputation of the building industry at risk.”
You can check a building service provider holds the necessary licence or registration on the Building Commission website at www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-commission.
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Building Commission media contacts (for journalists/producers only)
A Bayswater manufacturer and installer of stone benchtops has been fined $120,000 over the 2011 death of a worker, despite the fact that the company is in liquidation.
Australian Countertop Pty Ltd - trading as Australian Counter Top - pleaded guilty to failing to provide and maintain a safe workplace and, by that failure, causing the death of the worker, and was fined in the Perth Magistrates Court today.
In December 2011, the worker – a stonemason – died when he was crushed by several 235kg stone slabs that were being unloaded from a truck and stacked in A-frame racks.
There were four A-frame racks in the workshop, and the man was between two of them, removing a clamp from the top of one of the stone slabs. Four slabs from the rack behind him fell and he was crushed between the slabs that fell and other slabs being held by a forklift.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said today the case was a sad reminder of the need to have safe systems of work in place, especially when it came to stacking and racks.
“The court heard that falling slabs was a commonly-known hazard in the industry, but that safer work procedures were also common in the industry,” Mr McCulloch said.
“In many other similar workplaces, post-and-rail racking was used where workers could load and unload slabs without going in between the slabs. This type of racking was present in this workplace, but the posts were not large enough to accommodate the slabs being delivered on the day of this incident.
“The court found that it would have been practicable for the company to have stored stone slabs in post-and-rail racking and to have trained and instructed employees to load and unload the slabs without going in between the slabs.
“This was the fourth worker killed in similar circumstances in this industry within a four-year period.
“So although the company is in liquidation and could not pay the $120,000 fine imposed, we considered it important to prosecute the company and have a conviction recorded as a deterrent to others in the industry.
“Other employers in the same or similar industries need to appreciate that if safety measures are not taken, they will be liable to prosecution and substantial penalties.”
Further information on safe systems of work can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 1300 307877, or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.
Media contact: Caroline De Vaney 6251 2363 or 0408 927563 (media enquiries only)
caroline.devaney@commerce.wa.gov.au
Follow @WorkSafeWA on Twitter
The average cost of unleaded petrol is set to increase by around 11 cents per litre (cpl) to 137.1 cpl tomorrow, so FuelWatch is encouraging Perth drivers to fill up today to save money.
FuelWatch advises that on Thursday 30 April 2015, most Caltex and Caltex Woolworths sites are increasing their ULP prices by 16 cpl to 141.9 cpl; and majority of BP, Coles Express and Puma sites to 139.9 cpl.
Perth’s weekly petrol price cycle results in prices, on average, being cheapest on Tuesday and Wednesday and at their most expensive on Thursday and Friday – that’s why we recommend filling up today.
If you need to fill up tomorrow, use FuelWatch as there are still 45 sites selling below 126 cpl. The difference between the highest and lowest priced sites is 23 cpl, which means you can save up to $13 on a 60 litre tank of fuel.
Wednesday’s cheapest ULP is available for:
Thursday’s cheapest ULP will be available for:
Drivers can head to the mobile compatible www.fuelwatch.wa.gov.au site to find the cheapest fuel in their area. Log on after 2.30pm each day to compare today’s and tomorrow’s prices. You can also sign up for free emails along with the 37,000 others who benefit from daily updates. Alternatively, phone 1300 30 40 54.
END OF RELEASE
Media contact (Consumer Protection)
Expired gift cards, faulty products and late deliveries are just a few examples of what can go wrong while shopping for a gift for Mother’s Day on Sunday 10 May 2015.
Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection Gary Newcombe has some advice on common issues that gift buyers often encounter.
“Gift cards for services like day spas or other personal services are increasingly popular Mother’s Day gifts, but it is important to remember they usually come with terms and conditions that limit how and when your Mum can spend them,” Mr Newcombe said.
“Your Mum should treat and protect gift cards as if they were cash, because if they are lost, they usually can’t be redeemed or replaced. Make sure you check the expiry date and any limits on value or number of transactions and pass this information on to your mother.
“The gift card should be used as soon as possible as there is a risk that they may not be honoured if the business is sold or goes into receivership.”
Another tip for savvy shoppers is to shop around for the best price before buying.
“The trick is not to fall for glossy price promotions. Do your homework, shop around and compare prices at multiple retailers. Search online, look in catalogues, talk to store attendants and discuss your purchase with friends and family,” the Commissioner said.
“Shoppers have protections under the Australian Consumer Law which guarantees that the products you buy are not faulty, safe, do what they claim they can do and are of acceptable quality. You can seek a remedy of a refund, replacement or repair if a business sells you goods or services that don’t meet these guarantees.
“Bear in mind that these laws only apply to Australian companies, so if buying online from overseas, you may not have these protections in place and it may be more difficult to get a resolution if something goes wrong.”
For gifts ordered online, read the terms and conditions and make sure you get a guarantee they will be delivered in time for Mother’s Day as it may already be too late, especially if the goods are coming from overseas.
“In the past we have had issues with late deliveries, particularly with flowers, so avoid disappointment by allowing for reasonable delivery times or getting a confirmed delivery date when ordering goods online or over the phone,” Mr Newcombe added.
For more information on shopping rights:
For shopping rights at your fingertips and helpful tools for consumers, download Consumer Protection’s iShopWA app: www.commerce.wa.gov.au/iShopWA -available from the Apple Store and Google Play.
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Media contact (Consumer Protection)
A Wanneroo real estate agency and its licensee have been reprimanded and fined a total of $3,000 by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) over errors in accounting for the agency’s trust account.
Urban WA Real Estate Pty Ltd and licence holder Robyn Angela Horsman were fined $1,500 each on 10 April 2015 and were ordered to pay total costs of $750.
Consumer Protection took disciplinary action after an audit found the agency failed to comply with the Real Estate and Business Agents Act with regard to the operation of its trust account.
The company admitted that it failed to keep full and accurate trust account records and failed to exercise due skill, care and diligence in the maintenance of the agency’s trust account in the 2012 and 2013 audit years. Ms Horsman admitted that she failed to properly supervise the internal procedures relating to the operation of the trust account during that period.
The SAT acknowledged that there was no loss incurred by members of the public and the breaches were not the result of dishonest conduct.
Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection Gary Newcombe said the Department will take action against real estate agencies that breach the laws relating to the operation of their trust accounts.
“Agents and property managers are often handling large amounts of money on behalf of their clients and tenants, so it’s imperative that they comply fully with the law to ensure the security and accountability of the funds,” Mr Newcombe said.
“Licensees and property managers should properly supervise their employees and have sound accounting practices in place to facilitate the handling of the funds so they abide by the strict rules regarding trust accounts.
“Regular auditing of these trust accounts will uncover any breaches of these laws, so compliance is essential and those found to have failed to comply may face prosecution and have their reputations tarnished in the marketplace.”
More information on the obligations of real estate agents and sales representatives is available on the Consumer Protection website: www.commerce.wa.gov.au/cp/realestate or enquiries can be made by email: consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54.
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Media contact (Consumer Protection)