What types of disputes does Consumer Affairs deal with?
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) provides dispute resolution services for disputes involving consumers and traders, and Real Estate Agents. This includes problems that may arise when you are: • shopping • buying a new or used car, or a computer • dealing with a second-hand dealer • organising travel, or a funeral • buying or selling a house • building or renovating a house CAV can advise you about what your rights and responsibilities are, and ways of resolving the issue. In certain cases CAV can offer further assistance such as conciliation. However, Consumer Affairs cannot guarantee a favourable outcome from the conciliation process. Not every case is suitable for conciliation. If a dispute drags on with no outcome likely, you may need to take your complaint to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). If it looks like a trader has broken the law then CAV can investigate further and take enforcement action. Traders may be prosecuted where there is evidence of a breach of
