The newsletter of Consumer and Business Services No Images? Click here December 2016 From the CommissionerWith the end of the year fast approaching we're working hard to finish off some important projects and continue work on other initiatives and major reforms in 2017. One campaign we've been promoting throughout November and December is encouraging the public to dob in unlicensed tradies. So far we've received a number of reports and we look forward to continuing this work. We continue to broaden online services with notifications and renewals for charities rolling out this month. We look forward to sharing more ways of improving our online services in the new year. If you're visiting our Customer Service Centre in Grenfell Street, you'll notice a new facade emerging. Although hidden under scaffolding, we're still here offering face-to-face advice and services. From all of us at CBS, we wish you a wonderful summer break and some time spent relaxing and reflecting on 2016. George Kamencak Acting Commissioner TenanciesResidential Bonds Online (RBO) - RBO has applied a password policy to strengthen security. New users can now activate access with one email, making registration easier and saving you time. Read more about RBO in the tenancies updates. SACAT decisions - SACAT has published more than 40 significant decisions since establishing in March 2015. Landlords, property managers and tenants may be interested in a recent internal review regarding residential tenancies databases, sometimes called tenant blacklists, and how the 2014 amendments may be applied. Bond claims without the other party's consent - A reminder that from 1 December, evidence and completed paperwork is essential for a claim to be processed by CBS. Claims will be rejected if incomplete paperwork is submitted. If rejected, landlords will need to apply to SACAT. Read more about bond claims in the tenancies update (PDF 321KB). Licensing and registrationReminder - Don't forget to register for electronic notice delivery for occupational and liquor licensing. This includes renewals, annual licence invoices and reminders. Charities - 1 December heralded red tape reductions for charities. Benefits include simpler reporting and online renewal for many charities. Read more about the changes to reporting for charities. Prescribed associations - Streamlined reporting for prescribed associations that are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for Profits Commission (ACNC) will commence 1 January 2017. Real estate - With the implementation of electronic conveyancing Forms 1 & 2 (vendor statements) have changed. References to duplicate certificates of title (strata units only) have been removed. The updated Form 1 is available from SAILIS. Security installation - SA electricians are reminded that a security agents licence is required when installing alarms or surveillance systems. Electricians can apply online for a security agents licence. Please note - From December 2016, CBS may provide licensee details to other government departments and relevant industry bodies to confirm licence status. Births, Deaths and MarriagesBirth registration statements - A new CBS process makes it easier for couples to register a birth when they have used medical help to conceive their child. This change affects all births registered from 23 September 2016. Read more about the changes to birth registration statements. Marriage Room - During renovations at CBS headquarters in Grenfell Street, the Marriage Room has been temporarily moved from level 2 to level 9 to retain a welcoming and memorable atmosphere for wedding ceremonies. Liquor and gamingLiquor review - The Bill in response to the review of the Liquor Licensing Act 1997 is open for feedback until 6 January. Visit the YourSay website for more information. Maximum pokie bet reduction - From 1 January 2017 the maximum bet on gaming machines is reducing from $10 to $5. Non-compliant gaming machines / games will be disabled by the Independent Gaming Corporation Ltd (IGC) at the start of the first trading day after 1 January 2017. Compliance at CBSDob in an unlicensed tradie - Know someone working as a tradie who doesn't have a licence, or doesn't have the right licence for the job? We want to know about it. Dob in an unlicensed tradie today. Monitoring - The CBS Compliance and Enforcement team have been out and about. Industries that have been a focus this quarter include liquor, gaming, wagering, real estate, second-hand vehicle dealers and builders. Read more about what CBS has been up to. Compliance and Enforcement policy - The newly released policy highlights CBS' priorities and principles guiding prevention and disciplinary action. Read the Compliance and Enforcement policy. Fair tradingMusic festivals - CBS is offering advice to summer music festival goers by emphasising the benefits of researching and planning ahead. It's important to know your rights if the festival or concert is cancelled. See our top 5 tips for festival goers. It's okay to walk away - A new campaign aims to empower Aboriginal consumers in urban, regional and remote areas to resist high-pressure sales tactics and be aware of their consumer rights particularly when approached uninvited at shopping centres, car parks, in their communities through door knocking or on the phone. More information is available on the CBS website. Free range eggs - Feedback is invited on the compliance and technical aspects of the national information standard and the accompanying explanatory statement. Feedback on the free range egg labelling information standard closes on Friday 9 December 2016. Consumers with disability - to compliment the new disability guides for consumers there are now videos for people using disability goods and services. The videos give tips about choosing a supplier, signing a contract and what to do if problems arise. Australian Consumer Law (ACL) - Have your say about how you think the ACL is working and what can be improved. An interim report has been released for consultation. Consultation closes Friday 9 December 2016. Product safetySummer safety - Portable swimming pools can be a great way to cool off over summer, but even with very little water, it only takes seconds for a child to drown. See these important safety tips. ResourcesIf something you buy or receive this Christmas is faulty, doesn’t match the description given (e.g. on the packaging or in advertising) or isn’t fit for purpose you have the right to a remedy - such as a refund, repair or replacement. Know your rights with consumer guarantees. View the brochure or request your free copy. Solar panels - thinking of getting solar panels installed? Read the CBS fact sheet for some advice before making the investment (PDF 103KB). Help for small businessSmall business grants - SA businesses are encouraged to register for a Job Accelerator Grant of up to $10,000 for each new worker. Find out more about small business grants from Revenue SA. Unfair contract terms - Small businesses are now protected from unfair contract terms. Previously the ACL only offered safeguards to consumers. Visit or call the Small Business Commissioner (SA) on 1800 072 722 or 8303 2026 with any concerns. More information is also available from the Australian Competition Consumer Commission (ACCC). 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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