Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Traders in Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley need to brush up on consumer laws, following recent inspections by Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV), Director Dr Claire Noone said today.

“A quarter of the traders visited were found to be breaching Victoria’s consumer protection laws,” Dr Noone said.

CAV inspectors made more than 250 unannounced visits to traders in Cobram, Echuca, Euroa, Kyabram, Murchison, Seymour, Shepparton and Tatura in the first week of October.

Dr Noone said CAV inspectors visited a wide range of industries, including motor car traders, real estate agents, conveyancers, travel agents, rooming houses and retailers.

“While 75 per cent of the traders visited were doing the right thing, we’re concerned 25 per cent weren’t.

“CAV works with traders to make sure they comply with relevant legislation. When they don’t, we have a range of enforcement tools we can use.

Traders with breaches were issued with on-the-spot infringement notices.

“CAV inspectors issued the majority of infringement notices to motor car traders, followed by a small number to travel agents,” she said.

CAV found motor car traders didn’t have their paperwork in order and weren’t observing new motor car trading regulations which took effect in December last year, giving consumers three business days to "cool off", or change their mind when buying a new car.

Following the inspections, charges are likely against one motor car trader for ongoing breaches of the Motor Car Traders Act 1986.

Travel agents received infringement notices for not having correct signage or licence information.

CAV officers also visited registered builders to make sure they were aware of their rights and responsibilities.

“It’s important builders comply with the regulations, as CAV research shows the home building, renovating and maintenance sector costs Victorians $1.6 billion each year, which includes the cost of fixing problems.

Inspectors also checked local retailers for toys and other products that breached product safety standards. A small number of novelty items were seized for further testing.

CAV also visited caravan parks to educate the operators about travelling conmen who are known to stay at parks over summer, and who rip off locals by disappearing after doing an inferior job on cheap home repairs.

Consumers can find out more about their rights by visiting the Consumer Affairs Victoria website, or by phoning 1300 555 81 81.