Do you trade in cars, vans, utility vehicles or motor bikes? If so you must have a motor vehicle trader licence from 1 April 2012. A Motor Vehicle Traders Licence application form and further information is available. Posted Feb 2012
Are you sick of sales people door knocking your home? Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading is participating in the national Do Not Knock campaign, and has produced a free Do Not Knock sticker that should dramatically reduce the number of unwanted visits to your house by sales people.
If you have a Do Not Knock sticker clearly displayed in the front of your house, and a sales person subsequently knocks on your door, you should complain about their conduct. You can send a letter of complaint to the company employing the sales person, advising of their unwelcome action, as well as writing to CAFT. CAFT will assess the information provided to determine if a breach of the direct selling provisions of the Australian Consumer Law has occurred, and will initiate enforcement action if appropriate.
Do Not Knock stickers are available free of charge at all Service Tasmania outlets or by ringing CAFT on 1300 65 44 99. You can also download and print a copy of the Do Not Knock sticker in pdf format. A sample template letter of complaint to the trader and a sample template letter of complaint to CAFT are both available. Posted Dec 2011
Under the Australian Consumer Law which came into effect on 1 January 2011, you have extra protections and rights when you buy goods and services from a door-to-door salesperson. To make sure things run smoothly use the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) checklist when a salesperson comes to your door. If you think a salesperson has breached the law or if you need more information contact the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502. Posted Jan 2012
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The free Tasmanian ShopRight iPhone and Android apps provides instant advice on your refund, warranty and lay-by rights. ShopRight covers the new consumer laws - in force across Australia from 1 January - including refunds, warranties, defective goods and lay-bys and allows you to take copies of receipts and manage them.
From 1 July 2009 the Rental Deposit Authority (RDA) will collect and manage rental bonds/security deposits on behalf of all property owners/landlords and tenants in Tasmania. This will affect all bonds paid on or after 1 July 2009. If you sign a new lease or renew or extend an existing lease then you must lodge your bond with MyBond. Other existing bonds are not affected.
Property owners, property agents and tenants can access information and forms necessary from this website. See here for information on How to fill in your lodgement forms.
Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading has developed a service to allow clients to register Tasmanian Incorporated Associations online. Forms can be completed online and there is an option to attach electronic copies of relevant documents and pay for the transaction. The forms and information no longer need to be posted or lodged at a Service Tasmania shop.
Changes to the Security and Investigation Agents Act 2002 commenced on 1 July 2011. More information is available from this website. Posted 19/07/11
The Australian Government's cyber security website provides information for Australian internet users on the simple steps they can take to protect their personal and financial information online. Information is available for home internet users, businesses, school teachers, children and teenagers. Posted 30/5/11
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has launched a new website called MoneySmart to help people make smart choices about their personal finances. MoneySmart is for all Australians - young, old, rich, poor, investing or paying off debt. The website offers free, independent guidance so people can make the best choices for their money. ASIC welcome feedback about the website. You can tell them what you think by email to feedback@moneysmart.gov.au or use the feedback button at the end of each webpage. Posted 16 March 2010
For general consumer advice complete an online enquiry form. Note: you will not be lodging a formal complaint. For this purpose contact 1300 65 44 99.
If you have details of a possible scam, email details to this office.
a four-minute film developed by Queensland Fair Trading explaining how furniture around your home can be dangerous for young children and provides information on how to make your home safe. Posted 4/11/10
On 1 January 2011 a single, national consumer law: The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) came into effect. The ACL is a cooperative reform of the Australian Government and the States and Territories, through the Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs (MCCA).
More information is available at www.consumerlaw.gov.au Posted 11/10/10
From 1 July 2010 credit regulation was referred to the Commonwealth, with responsibility now undertaken by the Australian and Securities Investments Commission (ASIC). Detailed information is available at www.asic.gov.au/credit Posted 28/7/10
A website now exists to help consumers make informed decisions about their purchases, how to choose safe products, and how to avoid product-related injuries. The www.productsafety.gov.au site covers detailed information and advice on many different types of consumer goods ranging from baby products and toys, to clothing and sports equipment. The website also enables consumers to report unsafe products, make an enquiry and lodge a complaint.
Retailers and manufacturers can also access important information about product safety bans and mandatory safety standards, making it easier to ensure that they make and sell only safe products.
For any product safety related information visit www.productsafety.gov.au. Posted 27/4/10
Are you worried about the safety of your child's toys and nursery equipment? Call the Toy and Nursery Safety Line on 1300 364 894. This is a joint initiative between Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading Tasmania and Consumer Affairs Victoria. Dedicated staff will give you product safety updates and follow up any safety concerns.
On 1 January 2011 the Trade Practices Act 1974 was renamed the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 replacing previous Commonwealth, State and Territory consumer protection legislation with a national consumer law: The Australian Consumer Law (ACL). Please ring 1300 65 44 99 if you require assistance.
