Getting the Most Out of Australian Consumer Laws

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Getting the most out of Australian consumer laws involves understanding how they work, and knowing what to do when they don’t work for you. We’ll discuss some common situations where you may be in trouble with these laws, and how you can avoid them.

Unfair contract terms

Currently, the unfair contract terms in Australian consumer laws are governed by both the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). These agencies work together to ensure a consistent approach to compliance.

Unfair contract terms in Australian consumer laws apply to contracts entered into by both small businesses and consumers. These terms are defined in the ASIC Act and Australian Consumer Law. These laws have been designed to discourage unfair terms in contracts and to protect consumers from unfair contract terms.

Currently, the maximum penalties for breaches of the ACL are $10 million. This amount has not changed for almost 30 years. The Federal Government has recently proposed new legislation that will strengthen the ACL. This will include increased penalties and a more aggressive regime for unfair contract terms. The new legislation is designed to ensure that the ACCC has the power it needs to protect consumers.

Under the new legislation, the maximum penalties for unfair contract terms will increase by 30 per cent. This increase is in line with recent trends toward higher fines. These penalties will be based on the value of all supplies made by related bodies corporate.

The new legislation will also make it easier for courts to void terms that are unfair. The current UCT regime does not provide sufficient deterrence for unfair contract terms. Consequently, large businesses are at risk of seeing contraventions as acceptable costs of doing business.

‘Standard form’ contract

Until recently, standard form contracts (such as buying a property) were not subject to Australian Consumer Law or UCT laws. Earlier this year, changes to the law were made to ensure that consumers are aware of certain terms and to improve consumer protection. These changes are set to come into effect November 10, 2023.

The UCT law is designed to protect consumers from unfair terms in standard form contracts. A new presumption has been introduced into the law to identify unfair terms in standard form contracts.

The new UCT law also gives courts the ability to impose significant civil penalties on companies using unfair contract terms. This will make unfair contract terms unlawful.

Despite these changes, there are still some legal pitfalls to be aware of. It’s a good idea to have a lawyer review standard form contracts to ensure that they comply with the new laws. You could also find yourself subject to a court application by a disgruntled customer.

In addition to the UCT law, Australian Consumer Law and the Fair Contract Terms Act also have some new laws on the books. These laws have been designed to provide greater clarity to consumers and to give small businesses more confidence that they are getting the best deal out there.

The Fair Contract Terms Act also encourages companies to do the right thing and amend their standard form contracts if they believe they have been miserably cheated. There are also new laws that provide greater comfort for landlords of retail premises.

Examples of unfair terms in contracts

Fortunately, Australia has a consumer protection law which protects consumers from unfair contract terms. These laws are administered by Commonwealth, state and territory agencies. In particular, the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) covers contracts for goods and services worth up to $1,000,000, or at least $300,000 at the time of entry into the contract and may involve payments of compensation.

The ACL gives courts the authority to determine whether a particular term is an unfair standard form term. The ACL does not include all types of unfair standard form terms.

For example, a term that prevents inspection of goods or services may be considered an unfair term. However, it may be necessary to ensure the validity of specific transactions.

In other cases, a term may seem to be an unfair term on its own, but it is less likely to be considered an unfair term if it is qualified. For example, a term requiring a consumer to obtain access to business records may be considered an unfair term, but it might be less of an unfair term if the consumer is given an independent assessment.

There are many terms and conditions in a contract. However, an unfair term is one which threatens sanctions beyond those imposed by law and can be reviewed by your contract law specialist lawyers.

The most obvious example of an unfair term is a term that allows a business to break its contract without penalty. It may be a simple term that allows a business to wiggle out of its obligations without penalty, but it may also be a term that restricts the consumer’s rights, such as requiring a consumer to bring legal proceedings in a foreign jurisdiction.

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Causes of Aircon Failures and How to Avoid Them

If you’ve been in the market for a new split system air conditioning set up, it can be frustrating to discover that your unit has failed. While it is essential to have regular maintenance performed on your air conditioner, it’s also important to keep an eye out for the common problems that may eventually lead to unneccesary aircon repairs, so that you can avoid them before they turn into trouble. In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of aircon failures, how much they cost, and how to avoid them. Once you’ve figured out what’s wrong with your system, you can contact an air conditioning repair technician to help you with your repair needs.

Maintenance prevents premature breakdowns

Inadequate maintenance of air conditioners can lead to costly repairs, unnecessary downtime, and premature breakdowns. Regular cleanings and inspections of air conditioning systems can increase their efficiency and save you money on energy bills. Cleaning can also improve the quality of indoor air in your home. Most breakdowns of central air systems are related to inadequate maintenance. To ensure that your split system or evap AC is running at peak efficiency, schedule maintenance at least once a year.

Regular maintenance of air conditioners includes checking for dirt and debris around the condenser unit. Clean the condenser coil and cut back foliage about two feet to allow for adequate airflow around the unit. If problems persist, call a professional service technician for air conditioner maintenance. Check for proper functioning of the thermostat and condensate drain line. The AC motor needs to be properly lubricated to reduce friction.

Performing annual maintenance of air conditioners will improve efficiency and prevent premature breakdowns. In addition to saving you money on your utility bill, an annual tune-up can save your air conditioner up to 45 percent. An optimally functioning air conditioner can last up to 20 years. It’s important to visit an HVAC contractor every year for maintenance to ensure its optimal performance. Maintenance visits are often discounted, and many HVAC contractors offer discounts if you opt to have your air conditioner serviced regularly.

A refrigerant leak can lead to an AC breakdown. If the leak is not detected and repaired quickly, indoor temperatures and humidity will rise. The AC repair technician will test for leaks and fix them. This preventive maintenance is also essential for avoiding expensive repairs down the road. In Ohio, you can find a reliable AC service company to repair your broken air conditioners. The professionals at Logan Services have the tools and expertise to provide you with reliable air conditioning service.

Another thing that can lead to an air conditioning system breakdown is improper leveling. A level and a shim can help level the air conditioner and avoid costly repairs. The evaporator coil is made of copper piping. This means that if the air conditioner isn’t level, it can cause refrigerant leaks. Keeping the air conditioner level will ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently.

An annual AC maintenance will not only prevent major repairs, but will also keep it running smoothly throughout the summer. With proper maintenance, air conditioners can last a decade or more without major component replacement. Regular maintenance will ensure that your AC will run as smoothly as it should, avoiding costly emergency repairs. When the season is long, you’ll be thankful you have regular maintenance. The cost of repairs is often offset by the savings you’ll have.

Cost of repairs

There are several causes of a whirring noise coming from your air conditioner, including a dirty condenser coil, a noisy outdoor fan, and refrigerant leaks. These may be the result of a loose screw or a broken part, while high-pitched whistling could be the result of a damaged compressor. High-pitched whistling is an alarming sign of a faulty part. Air conditioning repairs will be expensive, but a faulty compressor can cause serious health risks and environmental impacts. Be sure only to use a government licensed technician for repairs in Australia so as not to void any guarantees etc.

Frequency of aircon servicing varies depending on your usage and age of the unit. However, once a year is not recommended because problems with air conditioning systems can get worse over time. Ultimately, this could lead to replacement of the aircon. As much as possible, have your air conditioner serviced on a regular basis. If you notice any signs of wear and tear or other malfunctions, it is time to contact an air conditioning specialist.

Common problems with air conditioners

Regardless of the brand of air conditioner, you have probably encountered common problems with your AC. Some common problems include excess water leakage, a dirty air filter, and an iced evaporator coil. The float switch also may not work properly. A dirty or clogged drain line can prevent the proper temperature difference. If you can’t locate the problem, call a professional. This article will give you tips to prevent common problems with your air conditioner.

Firstly, check if the power source is a good fit for the unit. Some air conditioners use different power requirements. If yours is not the right one, consult an AC expert. Check for blown fuses and circuit breakers. If the problem persists, replace the evaporator coil and condenser unit. Another common problem is a tripped fuse. Finally, check for obstructions in the air filters or condenser unit.

Several common problems with air conditioners may be simple to diagnose and fix, but it’s still best to contact a qualified technician if you can’t do the repair yourself. Common AC problems include tripped circuit breakers, a clogged drain, or the blower belt, among other things. In some cases, you might even be able to troubleshoot the unit yourself. You can also learn how to properly diagnose and repair an AC problem yourself.

If your air conditioner is not getting the cold air it needs, it may be due to clogged filters. Dirty filters can cause the system to overheat. Clogged filters also cause an uncomfortable odor. Changing the air filter or cleaning the air ducts can resolve these common problems. Remember, most common problems with air conditioners stem from improper installation, servicing, or maintenance. So, take care of these problems immediately.

One of the most common problems with air conditioners is that they don’t engage. Checking the thermostat’s batteries is a good start. Replace them if necessary. Also, check the thermostat settings. If it’s on, it means the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the desired temperature settings have been set. Otherwise, it’s possible that the circuit breaker has tripped, and resetting it is the best solution.

Another common problem with air conditioning units is dirty air filters. Dirty air filters can restrict the airflow and cause the unit to seize. Clean and replace the filters regularly to avoid costly repairs. Another common problem is leakage of the coolant. Coolant absorbs heat from the air, so if you notice low levels, your air conditioner is probably losing coolant. A leak could cause the unit to freeze and you could get a respiratory infection.

Another common problem with air conditioners is that they make noise. If your AC is making a loud noise while running, it’s likely something is wrong with it. Causes vary, and they can range from contamination of components to debris getting into the ducts. Cleaning the system and checking for loose parts may solve the problem. If the noise is accompanied by a louder sound, it’s time to call a professional for repair.

The Secret Philanthropists

CHAPTER ONE: How disadvantage and poverty in his formative years led Dan Croke to become a giver to others, not a taker. In a wide ranging interview Dan Croke explains that coming from a background of “living hand to mouth” in his early years, led to a lifetime of trying to build sustainable wealth for his own family and to give back to people he felt had been left behind.

Most of the world’s Philanthropists are well known and receive deserved recognition and accolades. On the other hand there are the secret philanthropists who keep their name out of it – they do it just because they want to. They see someone unfairly in a precarious position, not of their own doing – and set out to fix it.

Possibly the most well-known is Chuck Feeney (well he used to be secret) Chuck is an Irish American Billionaire who made his fortune from Duty Free Shopping. He is thought of as the world’s top giver. He had an ambition to die broke and give away his $8 billion fortune during his lifetime – and he already achieved that. He gave away his first $600M completely anonymously.

Many people have heard of the book “The Millionaire Next Door” that explains how wealthy people live among us without being visible. It is the same with philanthropists. Not all of them are visible or on the same scale as Chuck Feeney.

Dan Croke – a background in Brisbane

The Brisbane man, Dan Croke grew up in Warwick, Qld, moved to Brisbane and went on to become a wealthy property investor, having so far acquired almost 200 properties, some of which are individually worth as much as $5M and $10M. He has silently and anonymously helped scores of people over the years.

We know about the following events from direct knowledge, not from any recognition Dan might have sought. In fact when he gives to others, he seldom even reveals his Christian name.

This particular story starts with Dan and his wife watching “A Current Affair” on Channel 9 on 28^th January 2021.

The segment showed Valerie Ciufici, an 84 year old woman in poor health who had been tricked out of her life-long family home by her own granddaughter. The story upset Dan a lot. Perhaps it was because the woman looked much like his own mother June. Perhaps it was Valerie’s emphatic words in her hospital bed to help explain how it happened “When you are old and you are on your own, you become very vulnerable. And if someone shows a little bit of kindness towards you, you grab it with two hands because you desperately need it”.

Another thing Valerie said from the hospital bed was “I trusted my grand-daughter and believed in her, as you would – being our own”.

Dan Croke Fixes The Problem

Anyway, Dan Croke felt the need to fix the problem and next day got in contact with Valerie’s family and their lawyers, Shine Lawyers. Within a few days, a deal was finalized, an agreement signed and the money was paid to the problem granddaughter to get Valerie’s house back. Sometimes having money to fix problems is a good thing. Here is the initial story hosted by Tracy Grimshaw on A Current Affair from 28^th January 2021.

https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/granddaughters-ultimate-act-of-betrayal-towards-great-grandmother-tearing-apart-family/546f80df-ec41-42a3-bc62-35e59998d65b

Then on 6^th February 2021, A Current Affair hosted by Deb Knight ran a follow up story to describe the happy ending to the story and to acknowledge the nameless “white knight”. Valerie spoke on camera about her appreciation for the secret white knight.

The script on the hand delivered thankyou card says:

To My Mystery Friend

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart [for] all the help you have given me when I needed it most.

I did a lot of praying for help but never did I think an angel would turn up with such a big heart.

I shall always be grateful to you. Thank you so much for your kindness.

Always you will be in my thoughts.

Always Val Ciufici

We have knowledge of other acts of kindness offered by Dan Croke, such as providing free rent for two years to a woman with two children whose husband had died suddenly. None of this is in the scale of Chuck Feeney, but as Dan quotes:

“I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

Etienne de Grellet QUAKER MISSIONARY

Sophie Arnold – writer

About Dan Croke

Dan Croke was a disadvantaged young man living in relative poverty in his formative years. This led Dan Croke to become a giver to others, not a taker. In a wide ranging interview Dan Croke explains that coming from a background of “living hand to mouth” in his early years, led to a lifetime of trying to build sustainable wealth for his own family and to give back to people he felt had been left behind.

Dan Croke is now a successful property investor, helping others to achieve financial freedom through investing. This Brisbane man, Dan Croke, who grew up in Warwick, Qld, moved to Brisbane and went on to become a wealthy property investor, having so far acquired almost 200 properties, some of which are individually worth as much as $5M and $10M. He has silently and anonymously helped scores of people over the years

You can find more at the Dan Croke website or by watching “A Current Affair” on Channel 9 from the 28^th January 2021 about  the secret philanthropist: Dan Croke.

Dan Croke Testimonial

A Testimonial To My Mystery Friend

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart [for] all the help you have given me when I needed it most.

I did a lot of praying for help but never did I think an angel would turn up with such a big heart.

I shall always be grateful to you. Thank you so much for your kindness.

Always you will be in my thoughts.

Always Val Ciufici

Temporary fencing has many uses. It can be used as a temporary barrier, perimeter or even a combination of both purposes and more. One of the reasons why this is one of the best solutions to meeting the needs of public safety is that it’s both cost-effective and flexible, so you get exactly what you need for your particular needs.

Temporary fencing is also highly customizable to site conditions. The product is an integral safety necessity for virtually all operational sites. There are multiple locations for the temporary fencing system. For instance, if you are looking for shade, the fencing can be a decorative, functional or safety net to provide protection from the sun, wind, debris or other hazards. If you are looking for a fence to keep people in place, safety, aesthetics, or privacy, then you can use the fencing in any of these situations as well.

You can purchase the temporary fencing panels in pre-fabricated sizes to save money and get exactly what you need. Alternatively, you can individually order the components needed to meet your needs. For example, if you need a barrier to keep children in, then you can order a 20mm temporary fencing panel. Pre-fabricated panels will be available in different sizes to accommodate your specific traffic volume. As long as you specify the required height, width and length and the material you prefer, you can have your construction fencing panels delivered to your door with absolutely no problem.

More: http://www.turningfilm.com/vsma-reviews-sam-chara/

Business results are the tangible results that an organization creates. They usually fall into two broad categories: Financial and Non-financial results. They also include the intangible results of a firm’s operations that, on an intellectual level, contribute to the firm’s growth and development as a business.

The top companies in most industries have clearly defined and measurable business results. These top firms have achieved the pinnacle of most corporate ladder because they found innovative and experienced managers and leadership, who understood the real value of competition and set out to build a company on solid fundamentals. Finding a mentor with the necessary skill set and drive to achieve the level of results that your company wants is a critical first step for all businesses. Toyota established itself in North America by hiring and training the very best and the brightest from a pool of former Toyota employees. Finding a mentor is essential if you want to be a global player.

Having a business coaching mentor gives you two years of insight into how to develop your business and meet the product development goals that you have laid out. Having a coach who can provide you with continuous guidance and advice helps you create an environment where your employees are empowered and motivated to take on challenging projects and improve processes. Having an objective outsider provide candid advice about business results gives you a clear way of measuring and communicating the results to key stakeholders, investors and customers. Having someone like this around to guide you through the sometimes difficult process of change can be priceless.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryalton/2016/07/12/how-to-individualize-your-modern-workforce-for-greater-employee-retention/?sh=743ee655185f

The Consequences of a Bad Reputation Online

Online reputation management is widely regarded as one of the most helpful and affective ways to improve negative opinions about a business or brand. There can be a number of reasons why a company might have suffered with this type of event; from being targeted by a competitor hoping to outshine you in search results, right through to a fake review from a customer. There are simply so many things that could impact your business that half the challenge is keeping on top of them.

What can happen if you are spoken of in a negative light online?

One of the biggest concerns that many businesses in this position face is the potential to become less profitable. Although search engines like Google will try to remain impartial, if they spot that a website is held in low regard online they could end up favouring the competition, so the victim site might slowly see a decline in their search result position.

As you might imagine, this could take a drastic toll on the potential to reach an audience, which can potentially lead to less conversions and a drop in profits.

Over time, businesses could find themselves facing complete bankruptcy and unfortunately, this happens to more companies than you might imagine. The consequences of a bad online reputation can be dire indeed and that’s why more and more brands and individuals are turning to the assistance of reputation management specialists like MyReputationRepair

What do reputation management companies do?

As their name might suggest, it’s the job of these types of experts to manage their client’s digital presence. This could be as simple as monitoring reviews, right through to creating a brand new website to push down negative listings in search results or running a promotional campaign with pens or other promotional items offline. Campaigns are often developed from the ground up, whereby the expert will introduce measures that can help to reduce the damage done from a poor opinion, in favour of helping their client to build themselves back up again.

One of the most common issues that can impact a brand is a decline in their search result position and this is why the concept of replacing (as opposed to rebuilding) can be so appealing.

What does this mean?

If a brand’s site or online presence has become particularly negative and is still visible for specific pages in search results, it can sometimes be more convenient to introduce measures to drop those pages and replace them with fresher ones. Say for example that a website has been hit with multiple unfair reviews, it might still rank well, but the reviews could be affecting conversion rates.

Instead of tackling those reviews, it could make more sense to create new platforms to force the unsavoury remarks down in search result listings; until they are no longer a concern. This can be quite a technical task to undertake properly however, so enlisting the aid of an expert should be a top priority. With their support and guidance, it can be possible for even the most damaged reputation to repair itself – and for a company or brand to enjoy profitability once again.