It’s becoming easier to travel intra- and inter-state but COVID lockdowns can happen at any time – either at your outbound or return destination, or transit location. We can expect this to continue for many more months, so the key to travel is only book if sudden lockdowns, quarantine requirements or COVID-related cancellations won’t cause you serious difficulties. This includes the time it may take to have your travel refunded. And, like so many things, check the COVID cancellation policy for your transport and accommodation before booking. Listen to our podcast for tips and information about various scenarios of COVID travel cancellations, from Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley.

This week we discuss rental cars – consumer law protects both you and the hire company. The terms and conditions must be fair for both sides – but you should read what you’ve signed up for, especially when it comes to cancellation, the vehicle being fit for purpose, what to do in case of mechanical breakdowns, and insurance excesses. In remote WA, insurance excesses can be high, so you may want to consider domestic travel insurance to cover that cost. Be aware of changes in liability if you’re going off-road or on the beach in a hire car – again it’s all in the terms and conditions. Listen to our podcast for more detailed information on all these points and more, from Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley.

A new car, whether brand new or second hand, is one of the bigger investments we make and we want to ensure it gets us safely where we want to go, is reliable and isn’t going to cost us excessively for repairs. There are some simple checks to do before you buy a car, like a $2 PPSR vehicle search, plus guarantees under consumer law if you buy through a dealer. You’re less protected with private sales. If there’s still a statutory warranty on a second hand car, make sure it’s not voided by missing service history. Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley talks about all these points in our latest podcast.

Have you been wondering why there’s such a long delay getting new cars delivered? Or why second hand cars are so expensive right now? The answer is COVID, but why? And what does it mean for the contract you make with a dealer? Listen to our podcast for more information and advice on understanding dealer contracts and commitments from Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley.

Do’s and Don’ts with “The Commitment Circle” pyramid scheme. DO know that it’s a scam – you won’t receive lots of money in return for joining, gifting and persuading others to gift. DO know that ‘gifting circles’ are illegal and you could face prosecution if you’re in one! DON’T be afraid to call it as a scam if you or your friends and family get involved – help stop yourself and others losing your hard-earned money. Listen to our podcast for more information and advice on this scam from Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley.

Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley talks about product safety for children around the house, pool and elsewhere. There’s a need for constant vigilance and mindfulness to keep our kids out of danger, especially around any water, not just swimming pools. We also talk about securing household fixtures and furniture, including curtain cords, and the dangers of hand sanitiser which needs to be kept out of reach of little hands. Listen to our podcast to get Tom’s ideas on how you can keep the kids in your life safe.

Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley talks about the annual WA Consumer Protection awards. These inspiring awards recognise and reward people who’ve gone above and beyond to help communities gain better access to consumer protection in everyday situations – such as championing the cause of disadvantaged and vulnerable consumers, or contributing to injury prevention. Some of the award categories are even named after such consumer protection pioneers! Listen to our podcast to hear more and go to https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection/consumer-protection-awards-winners-and-finalists to read about this year’s winners and finalists.

Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley talks about what you need to know after a cyclone. Who is responsible for cleaning up damage – tenant or landlord? Factors include the severity of damage and the impact on the tenant’s ability to live in the property. Tradespeople are in much demand at such times, but have caution of blow-ins and unlicensed operators, as well as how much you agree to pay as a deposit. And especially beware of scammers, always at the ready to exploit a situation. Want to donate to help others? Make sure you contribute to legitimate organisations like the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund (https://appealswa.org.au/). Listen to our podcast for all this and more.

Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley talks about the interception or “man in the middle” scams and how to avoid them. When scammers hack into email accounts, they can wait in the hope of emails requesting payments, which they then hack and give and false payment details. Minimise the risk of this happening to you by keeping your email account extra secure and always double-checking payment details. Listen to find out more.

Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley talks about the return to normal tenancy laws. COVID-19 tenancy laws were in place for a year to ensure tenants kept a home during enforced lockdown periods. Now we are back to regular laws, meaning landlords can issue rent increases and termination notices – following proper notice and tenancy regulations. Conversely, landlords must again carry out minor repairs and maintenance when needed. What does all this mean, if you are faced with a rent increase or termination notice? Listen to find out.