Issue Date:  -  Thursday, 8 June 2000

Travel Agent traded without licence

The Ministry of Fair Trading has prosecuted a Kalamunda businesswoman for holding herself out as a travel agent and carrying on business while not licensed.

Angela Bartram, 31, of High Wycombe was ordered to undertake a twelve-month community based order after pleading guilty to the two charges in the Perth Court of Petty Sessions.

In June 1999, her membership of the compulsory Travel Compensation Fund lapsed, which results in automatic suspension of a travel agent’s licence under the Travel Agents Act. However, Ms Bartram continued to trade after her licence was suspended.

The Ministry of Fair Trading warned Ms Bartram several times of the dangers of continuing to trade while unlicensed, before laying charges.

Stipendiary Magistrate Calder told the court the offences were serious and a deterrent sentence was important.

Commissioner for Fair Trading Patrick Walker said it was vital for consumers that travel agents be licensed under the Travel Agents Act.

"Travel agents need to be aware that a suspension or a cancellation of a licence is a serious matter," he said.

"Unless agents are licensed, their customers don’t have the protection offered by the Travel Compensation Fund, which compensates consumers if a travel agent defaults," Mr Walker said.

"Consumers need to be confident the travel agent they are dealing with holds a licence, and it should be the first thing that prospective customers ask about," Mr Walker said.

Consumers wanting further advice on this or any related matter can ring the Fair Trading Call Centre on 1300 30 40 54 or send an email to consumer@docep.wa.gov.au.

Media inquiries:

Neil Stanbury
Tel: (08) 9282 0613