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Consumer Affairs / Fair Trading / Consumer Protection departments and Tribunals and Small Claims courts


Matters covered vary a bit from from agency to agency, but generally you can get help with issues about:

  • property and tenancy matters
  • secondhand dealers
  • false advertising
  • a small business
  • product safety - dangerous products
  • home building, renovation, repairs
  • fundraising groups
  • trade measurement
  • refunds and laybys
  • door to door selling
  • credit matters
  • motor vehicle traders and salespersons
Consumer Affairs / Fair Trading / Consumer Protection departments take issues from private consumers about goods or services that have been purchased, or are to be purchased in that state or territory. They can negotiate on your behalf and arrange mediation, but they do not have the power to force the person or business you are complaining about to fix the problem. They may take a complaint from a trader, under certain circumstances. The web sites of these agencies contain some very useful consumer information.

If the agency cannot sort it out, or if you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can take your complaint to the appropriate Small Claims Tribunal or Court in your state or territory. The Tribunal / Court has the power to, for example, make a trader (or you) pay money or return goods, repair faulty goods or rectify services, deliver goods or excuse you from having to pay the full amount.

You may also have rights under the Trade Practices Act 1974.
(Click here for info on the Act and the ACCC.)

(1) Office of Fair Trading

50 Ann St Brisbane 4000
GPO Box 3111 Brisbane 4001
Phone complaints: (07) 3246 1561
Fax complaints: (07) 3239 0146
TTY: (07) 3246 1588 (hearing impaired)

How to complain

You can ring to discuss your complaint, but before the Office can investigate it, you will need to send the details in writing. You can lodge your complaint online. If the transaction occurred outside Brisbane metro area, you should lodge your written complaint with the regional office closest to you. For information on regional offices, click here.
Go straight to Fair Trading's home page

(2) Small Claims Tribunal

The limit on small claims is $5,000. You will need to lodge a claim form and filing fees vary from $11.90 to $63.
Address: 170 North Quay Brisbane 4000
Phone: (07) 3247 4578
Click to go to more info on the Small Claims Tribunal.