Before Complaining
- Try to resolve with the tradie first
- Put complaint in writing to them
- Give reasonable time to respond
- Document all attempts
When to Complain
- Tradie won't respond
- Work is defective
- Contract wasn't followed
- Suspected unlicensed work
- Scam or fraud suspected
How to Lodge
- Online: Most states have online forms
- Phone: Contact your state authority
- In person: Local office
What You Need
- Your details
- Trader's details
- Contract and quotes
- Photos of problems
- Communication records
- Timeline of events
What Fair Trading Can Do
- Investigate complaints
- Facilitate mediation
- Take disciplinary action
- Prosecute serious breaches
What They Can't Do
- Award compensation directly
- Force resolution
- Provide legal advice
State Contacts
- NSW: NSW Fair Trading
- VIC: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- QLD: Office of Fair Trading
- WA: Consumer Protection
- SA: Consumer and Business Services