Brisbane Math and English academy fined $6,000
Posted by editor (editor) on Oct 06 2009
2009 >>

A maths and English tutoring company has been fined $6,000 in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court for breaching fair trading laws.

Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said the Brisbane Academy of Math & English Pty Ltd made an unsolicited approach to a family living in the Woodridge area.

“The trader had contacted the refugee family who had recently arrived in Australia from Sierra Leone, promising them an education package that would assist their teenage children” Mr Lawlor said. The company also arranged the finance for the purchase of the package.

“In breach of the Fair Trading Act, the company failed to outline to the family how they could withdraw from the contract, worth nearly $5,000, within the 10-day cooling off period.

The company also provided the product before the expiration of the 10-day cooling off period.

Mr Lawlor said the Office of Fair Trading helped the family receive a refund.

“This outcome demonstrates Fair Trading’s commitment to ensuring door-to-door traders operate within the law and should be a warning to unscrupulous traders."

Mr Lawlor encouraged consumers to be aware of their rights when approached by door-to-door traders.

Under the Fair Trading Act 1989,.door-to-door salespeople must:
• only call on customers between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am and 5pm on Saturdays. Calls on Sundays or public holidays are prohibited,

• wear clear identification,

• provide a written contract clearly stating the breakdown of costs, including GST and the total price, for the sale of goods or services valued at more than $75, and

• offer a 10-day cooling-off period for the sale of goods and services valued at more than $75. During this time no payment, including deposits, can be accepted, no goods can be provided and no work can begin.

A consumer has six months from the date of the transaction to request a full refund where the protections provided by the Fair Trading Act’s door to door provisions have been breached by a trader.

Mr Lawlor said anyone who had concerns about a door-to-door trader should contact the Office of Fair Trading on 131 304 or lodge a complaint via their website www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 2:31 PM