Complaints about unauthorised building work, dodgy cars lead consumer gripes

A new report from the Attorney-General’s department has revealed the key gripes among SA consumers, with unlicensed builders and crappy cars topping the list. EXPLORE THE LIST OF FINES AND PROSECUTIONS.

Unlicensed builders and crappy cars are leading complaints from the public, while concerns about terrible televisions are on the decline, South Australia’s consumer watchdog says.

As a new report lays bare prosecution actions Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has taken for the last year, Commissioner Dini Soulio has told The Advertiser complaints about the building sector continue to be among the most common dealt with by his agency.

“This can often be attributed to the complexity of the work, and the potential for problems,” Mr Soulio said.

“We’re also seeing more calls relating to the purchase of both new and second-hand vehicles, caravans and trailers — often relating to what constitutes a “major failure” of the vehicle in question.”

One area where the commission has seen a decline in the number of consumer complaints is around the sale of TVs, mobile phones and whitegoods.

“The quality of the products have improved while the products themselves have become more affordable,” Mr Soulio said.

“In addition, consumer review sites are also helping educate consumers, and help them make more informed choices when choosing products or services.”

Statistics from the Attorney-General’s annual report, tabled this week, show CBS has taken 31,843 calls from South Australians wanting to complain or seek advice about products or services.

Of those, CBS worked with parties on 1152 occasions to reach a compromise.

In 373 cases the issue had to move to a compulsory conciliation conference.

CBS successfully prosecuted 18 businesses — from a pool company that were fined $175,00 for taking payment but failing to supply goods to a solar company fined $5,000 for operating without a gas licence.

A further 15 businesses were made to make legally binding undertaking that they would stop operating contrary to the laws aimed at protecting consumer rights.

“The decision to prosecute is never taken lightly and a number of factors will be taken into account when considering whether to take a matter to court, including whether such action would be in the public interest, the deterrent value to both the alleged offender and the broader community, the gravity and nature of the offending and whether there is a reasonable prospect of a conviction,” Mr Soulio said.

“Through prosecution we are seeking to send a clear message to the community that there are clear protections in place for consumers and there are consequences will traders seek to take advantage of their customers.”

Mr Soulio said consumers are clearly becoming more aware of their rights.

“Information about consumer rights and responsibilities is available from the CBS website, our interstate counterparts and the ACCC — and this has proven most useful for many consumers, who can seek to resolve disputes they may be having without needing support or assistance from the regulator,” he said.