DOOR-TO-DOOR TRADERS

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:04): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Consumer Affairs a question about door-to-door traders.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: Consumers who are approached by door-to-door traders are often enticed by the ease and convenience of not needing to shop around for goods and services. My question to the minister is: can she advise what consumers should be wary of when approached by a door-to-door trader?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (15:04): I thank the honourable member for his important question.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: At least ours get out and doorknock. The latest figures from the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs show that consumers are unhappy with the conduct of many door-to-door traders. Complaint figures for the financial year to date have already topped last year's figures, and common complaints are emerging.

One of the most common complaints that the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs is receiving is about traders who have approached consumers in their homes but have not shown identification, which immediately raises suspicions. Traders must show their identification to consumers whom they approach and any refusal to do so is a breach of the law. Door-to-door traders who do not properly identify themselves to consumers are breaking the law and face penalties of up to $5,000 if caught.

Other complaints that have been made against traders acting illegally is not giving consumers set forms outlining their rights or signing consumers into contracts before the cooling-off period has ended. A 10 day cooling-off period is not an optional condition: it is a safeguard to give consumers time to carefully consider any contracts that they enter into, which addresses the issue of some people being very vulnerable and easy to manipulate and persuade into buying goods that they do not really want and for prices that they cannot really afford.

I am calling for the public to report any suspicious door-to-door traders to the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs, adding that public involvement leads to informed and alert consumers. It is great to see consumers bringing these things to our attention. The more information that OCBA receives from the public, the faster it can keep consumers informed and ahead of scammers.

Many of these traders are dodgy. They travel from place to place using undue pressure to force and manipulate people to agree to have work done on their home or to hand over cash up front. Then they take the money and run, often leaving unfinished work or work that is way below standard.

There are a few simple tips that consumers should be aware of relating to door-to-door sales including: traders who ask for cash up front and give no cooling-off period or take money before the cooling-off period has finished; those who apply pressure to do work on the same day; and those who disappear leaving a shoddy and unfinished job or a faulty product. Do not be tempted by unexpected cheap offers. Only use established tradespeople who give written quotes. The old adage 'If it looks too good to be true, it probably is' is always a good thought to keep in mind.

If consumers have concerns about someone knocking at their door and are suspicious, they should contact the office of consumer affairs. There is a number for regional callers and there is also a website that provides some very sound information and advice.