Angela Delaney, Regional Services Coordinator for Consumer Protection WA, talks about residential tenancies and the COVID-19 emergency period. There’s a lot of information about the extended period during which there can be no rent increase and potentially no evictions. Angela tells us what you can do if you’re having difficulty paying rent, or if you do receive a termination notice. Listen to find out more, plus there’s a dedicated team at Consumer Protection who can help with specific advice.

Angela Delaney, Regional Services Coordinator for Consumer Protection WA, talks about short stay rental accommodation such as Airbnb and Stayz, preparing us for the new registration system that will be introduced by the State Government. This will assist and protect renters, owners and their neighbours. Listen to find out what we know so far, and what protections are available to all parties.

Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley talks about unsolicited sales like doorknockers and telemarketers. Check out your consumer rights when the sales people approach you instead of you going to them! Find out about the cooling off period with cold-callers, and what happens if someone cancels an unsolicited consumer agreement. Listen to our interview to learn more, plus other information to help you avoid getting ripped off.

Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley talks about VET FEE-HELP schemes – and “free laptops for free courses” incentives that left many people with a training course debt a few years ago. If you’re thinking of retraining to give you more post-COVID options, you can check if you still have a debt at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/. Listen to our interview to learn more plus other information about how to ensure a training organisation is legit.

Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley talks about Buy Now Pay Later schemes. Watch out for the pitfalls – you have all the same consumer rights as cash and credit payments, but make sure you can keep up with your payments. These schemes don’t charge interest, but take care to read the small print and details of late fees, admin and other fees.

Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley talks about scams, particularly relating to identity theft. It's Scams Awareness Week – are you aware of what personal information you give away that can be used by scammers?

Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley talks about product safety, such as new quad bike regulations from this October. Stay on top of requirements to make your quad bike safe and to attach the “operator protection device” that you'll need from October next year. A reminder too that some recalled dangerous Samsung top loader washing machines are still out in homes. How do you know if yours is one of them? Always report any product that you think is unsafe – your warning could be the one that saves many people, and you may be entitled to a refund or replacement.

Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley talks about travel cancellations. Who cancels first – you or the travel provider?  What are your rights to refunds or credits if travel is cancelled or rescheduled? What’s the difference for travel booked before COVID or during COVID? Know your rights so you can make the most of your current situation and future plans.

Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley talks about scams that recur at tax time each year – how do we stop falling for them? This year, fresh scams are focusing on coronavirus supplements and early release of superannuation. Listen to find out the tell-tale signs, and what to watch out for to help our friends and family avoid being scammed.

Tom Chapman, Consumer Protection Officer in the Kimberley talks about electronic payments and surcharges. With many shops and traders dropping cash payments, you need to know your rights around fees for card payments, public holiday surcharges. For example, retailers are not permitted to round up prices for electronic payments, or to add on a coronavirus charge to cover new hygiene and safety measures.