Tue Sep 17 05:55:44 UTC 2024: ## WA Consumer Protection Agency Urged to Share Complaint Data for Better Transparency

**Perth, WA** – A new report by the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) is calling on Consumer Protection WA to release more data on consumer complaints, arguing it would improve consumer decision-making and help businesses identify areas for improvement.

The report, titled “Am I the Only One?”, states that while Consumer Protection WA is already a strong regulator, it could do more to utilize the data it collects to inform consumers about common issues and potential red flags.

CPRC chief executive Erin Turner advocates for a system similar to New South Wales, where a public register lists businesses that receive ten or more complaints per month. This, according to Turner, allows businesses to see trends and address issues proactively, while also serving as an early warning system for consumers.

“The trend in that data is really valuable,” said Turner. “It lets us know what the common problems are, what businesses are causing those problems, and who to avoid.”

Turner highlighted the success of the NSW system, noting that it has been running for several years with no indication of misuse. She also emphasized that it provides more reliable information than online reviews, which can be unreliable and unverified.

The proposed system would also allow Consumer Protection WA to proactively engage with businesses receiving a high volume of complaints, potentially helping them rectify issues before they escalate.

A spokesperson for Consumer Protection WA has stated that the agency is considering establishing a complaints register as part of the upcoming review of the Fair Trading Act.

“Consumer Protection utilises measures, such as our public warning notices, when repeated consumer complaints are received,” said the spokesperson. “We also work behind the scenes with consumers who have reported issues to assist them in obtaining a fair outcome.”

This initiative holds promise for improving consumer protection in Western Australia by providing transparency and empowering both consumers and businesses to make informed decisions.

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