February 2016

From the Commissioner

Welcome to the first edition of Consumer and Business Services (CBS) quarterly newsletter ‘CBS Connect’.

Connect will give you an overview of what CBS is currently doing for businesses, industries and consumers. It will also provide an opportunity to be ahead of the game by reporting on upcoming changes.

CBS staff communicate with thousands of consumers, businesses, tenants and landlords every year through the advice line and mediation. We also register and regulate various licensees in the trades, business, liquor, gaming, casino, racing, lottery and charity industries.

We are passionate about striking the right balance between protecting consumers and reducing red tape for businesses. The new CBS website has recently launched and is a great way to find out more about CBS activities and initiatives.  CBS has a new live online service that can assist with many of the questions or queries you may have. Visit the CBS website to start chatting with one of our friendly staff during business hours.

This edition reports changes to apprentice registration, domestic violence changes for residential tenancies, reducing red tape for liquor licensees, current enforcement and compliance activities and much more.

We trust you will find something in Connect of interest to you and look forward to sharing CBS news and updates every quarter.

Dini Soulio

Commissioner for Consumer Affairs 

Occupational licensing

Red tape reduction

Information sharing between two government agencies saves apprentices time and effort while streamlining the licensing process. Read more...

How long will it take to process my licence?

All occupational licensing applicants are sent automated emails confirming that CBS has received their application and notifying them of the anticipated processing time, depending on the particular trade.

Once the licence has been issued, a further email is sent providing the applicant with their licence number and a link to the CBS Public Register, so they can view their licence details.

For further information see the Trade Licensing Update.

Examples of what might happen if you trade without the required licences have been in the media: Over $10,000 in fines for breaching real estate laws and Action taken over unlicensed builder's advertising tactics.

Other initiatives...

Tattoo parlours

Later this year, businesses that provide tattoo services must comply with new rules. The changes are part of the State Government’s commitment to tackling organised crime in South Australia. Read more...

Free range eggs

Consumer Affairs Ministers from across Australia have supported the drafting of a national standard for the definition of ‘free range’ eggs. In addition to the status quo, the consultation paper proposes two options for a nationally consistent approach to the term ‘free range’.  A consistent approach would enable consumers to make a more informed choice. Written submissions are currently being considered. Further information

New Website

CBS has launched a new website offering customers a contemporary interface and higher functionality. The changes significantly enhance searching capabilities and help customers find the service or information they need. www.cbs.sa.gov.au

Liquor and Gambling

Review

The release of the liquor licensing discussion paper launched the first full scale review of the Liquor Licensing Act in almost two decades. Read more...

Renting

Residential Bonds Online (RBO) is now mandatory for agents, and landlords are also encouraged to start saving time by lodging, managing and dispersing bonds via RBO. Information and instructions for using RBO

New domestic violence amendments allow victims to choose to have themselves, or a perpetrator, removed from a tenancy agreement without penalty to the victim. Other legislative changes supporting victims of domestic violence can be accessed by application to SACAT. Read more...

Fair trading, consumer protection and product safety

2015 wrapped up with a busy Seniors Week. CBS participated and presented at a number of seniors forums. The ‘Savvy Seniors’ guide has proven to be a big hit with seniors interested in learning more about their consumer rights. Order a free hard copy now.

Later this year the Australian Consumer Law will extend the unfair contract terms protections (in standard form contracts) to protect businesses when they are entering into a contract as a customer. Information about the upcoming protections is available from the Australian Competition Consumer Commission. Read more...

Product safety inspectors had a busy end to 2015. Monitoring of items for the Paskeville Field Days, Halloween and Christmas toy surveillance were undertaken to ensure only safe products were available at these peak retail times. Find out more about our Product Safety section.

Births, deaths and marriages

CBS responded swiftly to the Pinery bushfire crisis offering a priority service to those affected by the bushfires.

Free replacement certificates are available to victims with SA coordinating the process nationally. FAQ’s are available to assist those who are unsure of the process.

Compliance and enforcement

CBS and SAPOL continue to conduct coordinated compliance operations. Work in late 2015 successfully identified potentially unlicensed second hand vehicle dealers. Pinpointing known locations for car selling has put some sellers in the spotlight. Further investigation is underway. Read about CBS monitoring and enforcement options...