Key Resources

Major References

Department of Consumer & Employment Protection, Western Australia
Excellent first stop for information on consumers' rights and responsibilities. The Department web site has a consumers' guide to the Fair Trading Act, as well as information on credit and finance, property, motor vehicles, product safety, scams and much more.

Consumers Online
This web site is "the Commonwealth  government's one-stop-shop for consumer protection in Australia."  Check this site for a really comprehensive collection of links to online consumer resources. 

Consumer Protection Law
This standard text on consumer protection law in Australia is widely available in Western Australian public libraries. Includes coverage of the Consumer Credit Code, manufacturers' liability and occupational licensing.

Consumer Protection and Product Liability Law
Updated to include electronic transactions, this text also covers misleading conduct, product liability and the consumer protection provisions of the Trade Practices Act.

Reader's Digest Legal Question & Answer Book
For an easy-to-understand guide to consumer's rights, this Reader's Digest text offers a practical approach to solving common legal problems.

Journals

Choice
The Australian Consumer's Association produces Choice magazine. As well as reports of tests on products the ACA magazine and web site also provide information on consumers' rights.

ACCC Journal
For developments in trade practices law and the work of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission consult the ACCC Journal.

Australian Trade Practices Reporter
Covering topics such as unfair conduct, manufacturer's liability and misuse of market power, this updated service includes relevant legislation and reports of cases.

Abstracts & Indexes

Informit Databases
These databases provide information about consumer affairs published in magazine articles, conference proceedings, etc.  From the Informit menu select databases such as AGIS (Attorney-General's Information Service) and APAIS (Australian Public Affairs Information).  These databases can be accessed via workstations in the Alexander Library Building.

Services

Consumer Advice Service
A telephone advisory service provided by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, Western Australia.  Covers rights and responsibilities of traders and consumers and options for obtaining redress.

Consumer Credit Legal Service
A community legal service for consumers who find themselves in difficulties with their credit contracts and commitments.  Free initial legal advice is available by telephone.

Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia
Provides legal advice and assistance for Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders and their families.

Community Resources

Organisations

Citizens Advice Bureau
The CAB provides information and referral on any subject including consumer affairs. The CAB Legal Advice Service can offer a 20 minute appointment with a lawyer for a standard fee.  Non-English speaking clients can be catered for.

Community Legal Centres
Community legal centres are independent organisations that provide legal advice and advocacy to individuals and groups, especially those on low incomes. Check this site for contact details of CLCs in Western Australia.

Consumer Protection Advisory Organisations
Use the State Library's Infolink database to find organisations that assist consumers with advice, information and dispute mediation.

Other Information Resources

Government

Parliamentary Commissioner for Administrative Investigations (Western Australia)
Commonly known as the Ombudsman, the Commissioner receives and investigates complaints about the administrative actions of state government departments, local government authorities and many statutory authorities. The Ombudsman may be able to assist those with complaints against organisations such as Western Power or the Western Australian Police Force.

Magistrates Court of Western Australia
The new Magistrates Court of Western Australia commenced operation on 1 May 2005 - amalgamating the former Courts of Petty Sessions, Local Courts and Small Claims Tribunal into a single court. The Magistrates Court deals with civil matters involving claims up to $50,000. For minor cases, the jurisdictional limit of the Magistrates Court is $7,500. The Magistrates Court also deals with consumer/trader claims of $50,000 or less, and minor case consumer/trader claims of $7,500 or less.

Register of Encumbered Vehicles (REVS)
The Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, Western Australia maintains this database of encumbrances on vehicles. Persons buying a used vehicle may phone the register to find out if there are any encumbrances on the vehicle.

Finance Brokers Supervisory Board
This Board is responsible for licensing, regulation and supervision of finance brokers in Western Australia.

Builders Registration Board of WA
Functions of this Board include registering builders for building work over $12,000, and holding enquiries into the de-registration or suspension of errant builders.

Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board
This Board licences real estate and business agents and their representatives and monitors the professional conduct of registered persons in Western Australia.

False Advertisements (Advertising Complaints)
Division II of the Fair Trading Act, Western Australia concerns misleading conduct and false representations, including advertising in both electronic and print media.

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
The Commssion administers and enforces the provisions of the Trade Practices Act dealing with restrictive trade practices and national consumer protection issues.

Net Links

WA ScamNet
The Black Book web site is designed to help people spot scams and avoid losing money.

General Insurance Enquiries & Complaints Scheme
The Scheme is an impartial national body dedicated to achieving fast and fair resolution of general insurance complaints. The service is free of charge to the policy holder.

Australian Banking Industry Ombudsman
The Banking Ombudsman Scheme is a free investigation and mediation service for bank customers who have an unresolved complaint about their bank involving a claim of $150,000 or less. Interpreter service provided.

Private Health Insurance Ombudsman
The Ombudsman provides private health insurance members with independent advice concerning health insurance problems. This site gives details of the Complaints Hotline and how to lodge a complaint.