Issue Date:  -  Tuesday, 15 June 1999

Fair Trading lays more charges against travel discount company

The Ministry of Fair Trading today laid two further charges against Interval Resort Networks (Australasia) Pty Ltd alleging that it had made false representations in connection with the promotion of a travel and accommodation network discount scheme.

The charges follow five other charges laid by the Ministry last month.

Interval Resort Networks employs telemarketers who invite consumers to attend presentations in Northbridge.

Commissioner for Fair Trading Patrick Walker said that consumers attending these presentations were invited to join a network scheme which entitled them to discounts on air travel and accommodation.

Mr Walker said that many consumers had complained that they were unable to secure the discounts being promoted, or have had problems booking holidays on dates that suit them.

The Ministry has now received over 100 complaints about Interval Resort Networks since the beginning of the year, including more than 40 during the last month.

"Many consumers who have been unable to secure refunds have lodged claims against Interval Resort Networks with the Small Claims Tribunal," Mr Walker said.

"I am concerned however, that there are a substantial number of orders of the Small Claims Tribunal which which Interval Resort Networks has not complied.

I am seeking further details about these orders and am seeking legal advice on what further action can be taken against the company," Mr Walker said.