The newsletter of Consumer and Business Services No Images? Click here June 2018 From the CommissionerConsumer and Business Services is always looking at ways to better protect consumers and reduce red tape for business. Legislative reform is an effective way to achieve these outcomes. Some exciting changes are proposed for:
We look forward to sharing more information about these initiatives as they progress. Dini Soulio Commissioner TenanciesRepairs and maintenance - The highest number of calls to CBS tenancy advice is about repairs and maintenance at a private rental property. Landlords and tenants can learn what needs to be repaired and how long it should take. Rooming house bonds - We have increased our focus this year on rooming house owners who don't lodge bonds. Reports will remain confidential to protect residents. Understand your rights and responsibilities when paying or lodging a rooming house bond. Licensing and registrationDigital licences - Digital licences are now available for builders, plumbers, gas-fitters, electricians and the security industry via the mySA GOV app. Take a look at the licences that are available and how to get a digital licence. Real estate - There are new requirements for property managers, trainees, trust accounts and increased penalties. Read about changes for the real estate industry that started on 30 April. Property managers are also reminded to complete training and register with CBS by 28 September 2019. Electronic notifications - Register for electronic delivery of notices for renewals, annual licence invoices and reminders for liquor and occupational licensees. Charities - Do you fundraise for charities or not-for-profit? Check out the ACCC's guide to ensure you are fundraising lawfully. Liquor and GamingGaming - Gaming machine trading round 16/2018 is currently open. All trading round applications must now be completed and lodged online. Information on running a gaming venue and trading rounds is now available on sa.gov.au. Digital licensing - More licences are now available on the mySA GOV app increasing the chances of being presented with digital ID. FAQ's explain how to verify a digital licence. Compliance at CBSGym contracts - Almost 20 independent and smaller gyms were visited by our compliance officers to ensure that membership contracts comply with legislation. Find out more about your rights and the outcomes of the audit. Building site audit - Compliance and enforcement officers visited building sites in the CBD and inner suburbs checking licence compliance by contractors and workers. Read more about the on site audit. Compliance and Enforcement Policy - We recently released our 2018-2020 Compliance and Enforcement Policy which will give direction and focus for future activities. Learn more about our priority industries and issues we investigate. Product safetyWinter safety - As the temperature drops, the risk of burns and injury increase with the use of heaters, fireplaces, electric blankets and hot water bottles. See our tips on how to stay safe this winter. Fair tradingPaper billing - If you prefer to have bills posted and are tired of paying for the privilege, get some tips on how to avoid the added expense of paper bills. Debt management firms - Before you pay a company to help you deal with money worries, did you know there are services you can access for free? Visit MoneySmart for information about credit repair, free financial counselling and debt management. Ticket reselling - Is your ticket the real deal? Know the risks and protect yourself from buying fake concert or sporting event tickets. Scams awareness - Scamwatch received almost 33,000 reports in 2017 of scammers impersonating government agencies or trusted businesses and making threats. The recent launch of a national campaign 'Always stop & check: #IsThisForReal' coincides with the release of the annual Targeting Scams report. The statistics are alarming. Read the report and learn how to stay safe from scammers. Gift cards - A Bill before Parliament proposes that gift cards sold in SA must have a minimum expiry period of 3 years. Read more about the propsed gift card changes. ResourcesSales practices - Know your rights with door to door selling, telemarketing, itemised bills and lay-by. Order a free copy of the 'Sales practices' brochure or any of our publications. 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.
|