Role, scope and compliance policy
Consumer Affairs Tasmania (CAT) is a business unit of the Department of Justice in the Tasmanian government.
We work towards a fair, just and safe Tasmania through the delivery of equitable, efficient and effective consumer and occupational regulation.
To do this, we:
- advise and educate consumers, tenants, businesses and landlords on their rights, responsibilities and changes to the law
- review and advise the state government on consumer legislation and industry codes
- register and license businesses and occupations
- conciliate disputes between consumers and traders and tenants and landlords
- enforce and ensure compliance with consumer laws and gas and electricity safety standards.
Scope
We advise and assist on topics including renting and accommodation, shopping and trading.
We license or register and regulate a range of occupations including motor vehicle traders, conveyancers and security officers. We license a range of occupations in the building industry including builders, building surveyors, architects, engineers, designers, owner builders, plumbers, electricians, gas-fitters and automotive gas-fitters.
Our goals:
- Improve trading practices and safeguard the community
- Increase the capacity of consumers and industries to understand and exercise their rights and obligations
- Develop and manage systems and processes that support the effective operation of our services
- Build the skills of our staff to maximise the effective operation of our services
- Strengthen the organisational culture to support and positive and productive workplace.