❓ Hon James Hayward asks about consumer complaints regarding tow truck industry conduct since new regulations were introduced. The Minister for Commerce provides complaint numbers and redirects questions about penalties and further reforms to the Minister for Transport.
AnsweredQoN 743Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
TRANSPORT — TOW TRUCK INDUSTRY
743. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the Minister for Commerce:
I refer to the tow truck industry
regulations introduced in November 2022 to safeguard consumers.
(1) In the period 8 November 2022 to date, how many
complaints have been registered with Consumer Protection in which
misleading, deceptive or unconscionable conduct by tow truck drivers is
claimed?
(2) What
penalties and/or consequences can Consumer Protection impose on tow truck
drivers for failing to declare maximum fees payable before they tow a vehicle?
(3) Is Consumer
Protection aware of any other measures in place—apart from providing
consumers with the option of lodging a complaint
with Consumer Protection—to deter misleading, deceptive or
unconscionable conduct by tow truck drivers?
743. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the Minister for Commerce:
I refer to the tow truck industry
regulations introduced in November 2022 to safeguard consumers.
(1) In the period 8 November 2022 to date, how many
complaints have been registered with Consumer Protection in which
misleading, deceptive or unconscionable conduct by tow truck drivers is
claimed?
(2) What
penalties and/or consequences can Consumer Protection impose on tow truck
drivers for failing to declare maximum fees payable before they tow a vehicle?
(3) Is Consumer
Protection aware of any other measures in place—apart from providing
consumers with the option of lodging a complaint
with Consumer Protection—to deter misleading, deceptive or
unconscionable conduct by tow truck drivers?
AnswerView source ↗
(1) Twenty-six complaints were
registered.
(2) The penalties
outlined by the member are not administered by the Department of Mines,
Industry, Regulation and Safety but, rather, fall under the Department of
Transport. Questions on this matter should be referred to the Minister for
Transport.
(3) The Minister
for Transport issued a statement on 30 October 2022 outlining that the state
government is in the process of developing a second tranche of tow truck
industry reforms, which will further strengthen protections for consumers.
Further questions related to these reforms should be referred to the Minister
for Transport.
registered.
(2) The penalties
outlined by the member are not administered by the Department of Mines,
Industry, Regulation and Safety but, rather, fall under the Department of
Transport. Questions on this matter should be referred to the Minister for
Transport.
(3) The Minister
for Transport issued a statement on 30 October 2022 outlining that the state
government is in the process of developing a second tranche of tow truck
industry reforms, which will further strengthen protections for consumers.
Further questions related to these reforms should be referred to the Minister
for Transport.
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