The newsletter of Consumer and Business Services No Images? Click here June 2017 From the CommissionerLaws that protect you when you shop, allow your business to thrive and keep you safe when having a night out are all covered in this edition of CBS Connect. Several laws are being reviewed to make sure they strike the right balance between protecting consumers and giving business a fair go, while keeping up with trends and technology in a secure and user friendly way. This edition of CBS Connect gives you insight into some of the changes we’re making and the campaigns we’re running to help prevent scams and keep children safe. Dini Soulio Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Licensing and registrationDigital licences -Proof of age passes, boat licences, land agents and sales reps registrations are now available as digital licences through the mySA Gov app. Other passes, licences and functions are expected to be on board during the second half of 2017. Read more about digital licensing. Electronic notification - Sign up for electronic notifications today to receive your licensing renewals and important updates straight to your inbox. Thanks to those who have already registered for electronic notice delivery. Consider streamlining your renewals, annual licence and invoice notifications. Changes for security agent offences - Changes to legislation mean that more offences have been added to the list preventing some security and investigation agents from holding a licence. Read more about the changes for security agents. Foreign investment - The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has information available about the implications of new rules for settlement. Properties that sell for $750,000 or more on or after 1 July 2017 have a 12.5% capital gains withholding tax. Any enquiries should be directed to the ATO on 13 28 66. Proposed changes for property managers - The SA Government plans to strengthen protections for landlords and tenants by regulating property managers. Find out more about the proposed changes for property managers. Product safety Toppling furniture campaign - Take steps to prevent unstable furniture or TVs from toppling over and crushing a child. Find out more about how to avoid toppling furniture by securing items safely. Infinity cable - The ACCC is again warning consumers and electricians to check electrical cable installations to ensure that recalled infinity cable has not been installed. In South Australia 30% of the recalled cabling installed in homes still needs replacing. Product Safety Australia has more information about the recall. ComplianceUnlicensed landscaper - an unlicensed landscaper has agreed to return almost $12,000 in deposits after never commencing the work. Read the CBS statement about the unlicensed landscaper. Unlicensed car dealer - A $7000 fine was issued to an unlicensed car dealer after admitting to selling six cars in less than 12 months. Read the unlicensed car dealer media release. Licensed venues - CBS, SAPOL, Adelaide City Council and SafeWorkSA have recently completed a joint operation to ensure licensed venues such as pubs, clubs and restaurants are operating safely for patrons and employees. Read more about the operation. Births, Deaths and MarriagesChange of sex or gender identity - Recent changes now mean that registering a change of sex or gender identity in South Australia is much easier. Read more about the new application process. ResourcesDoor to door selling - Know your rights about cooling off and saying 'no' to door knockers. Learn more about door to door selling and order a brochure. First Business app - ASIC has developed an app giving businesses access to checklists, resources, networking and much more. Download the app if you're thinking of starting a business. Twitter - Follow us on Twitter and keep up to date with information, tips and warnings. NAIDOC week - NAIDOC week is celebrated across Australia early next month. The week puts a spotlight on Aboriginal culture with this year's theme: 'Our languages matter', raising awareness of the importance of preserving the 120 languages remaining. CBS acknowledges and supports Indigenous consumers and has developed a number of Indigenous specific resources. The 'it's ok to walk away' campaign includes advice when approached by a salesperson with a catchy rap to reinforce the messages of the campaign. Liquor and gamingLiquor review update - On 29 March the Liquor Licensing Bill was introduced to parliament. This is the most significant reform for the South Australian liquor licensing regime. The bill, updates and relevant information is available on the Attorney General's Department website. Music event guidelines - Organising a music event? Tips on reducing harm and improving safety can be found in the safer music event guidelines. Fair tradingACL review - The final report on the Australian Consumer Law Review has been released. The report offers proposals that clarify and modernise protections for consumers and business. More about the proposed framework is available on the Australian Consumer Law website. Free range eggs - A national information standard has now been registered. Eggs labelled as free range must have been laid by hens with a maximum stocking density of 10,000 hens per hectare, and with meaningful and regular access to the outdoors. Stay tuned for a start date. Scams - Can you spot a scam on social media? The recent ACCC Targeting Scams report has been released. Buying and selling scams, fake trader websites and dating and romance scams were a problem for SA consumers. ScamWatch has all the latest data. Enforcement of agreements - CBS is successfully enforcing agreements reached through the conciliation process. This involves attending court on behalf of the consumer. Read more about the process saving consumers time and almost $150 in lodgement fees. TenanciesRBO - CBS continues to review and enhance the security and features of the Residential Bonds Online system. Save time and register a new or existing bond with RBO. Bond claims - Landlords who claim a bond without the tenant's consent can now lodge documents online. Information will be shared securely between agencies to save lodging documents more than once. Read and register for tenancy updates. You are receiving this newsletter because your email address is registered with Consumer and Business Services. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter and want to opt out please click here.
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