Issue Date:  -  Monday, 31 March 2003

Short weight firewood prosecution

Orange Grove Garden and Wood Supply and its proprietor William Charles Thompson have been prosecuted in the Perth Court of Petty Sessions for supplying firewood that was not of the agreed amount and description.

This is the second time in two years that the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection has prosecuted Mr. Thompson.

The first offence in May 2001 attracted an $800 fine (four counts of $200) and $396 in costs.

In the more recent offence Mr. Thompson and his company were each fined $800 (two counts of $400 each) and $500 each in costs (totalling $1,000).

The Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker says this is a timely alert for consumers thinking about buying firewood for the approaching winter months.

"In this instance a consumer paid almost $200 for two tonnes of firewood which was underweight by more than 600kg and not of the quality he ordered and paid for", Commissioner Walker said.

"Consumers are entitled to receive what they pay for and should not be afraid to question suppliers or seek assistance from us if they are dissatisfied with the wood delivered.

"Consumer Protection provides a Weights and Measures service and will be on the lookout this winter for firewood cheats.

"Suppliers who deliver short weights, wood other than the type ordered, or wood mixed with sand, gravel or bark could find themselves with hefty fines.

"Consumers should shop around for reputable suppliers using their local newspapers, trade directories and even by asking friends and neighbours for trusted referrals.

"They should also be very specific when ordering wood and state the proposed use, any size requirements of the pieces and specify that they do not want bark included in their delivery", Mr. Walker said.

Consumer Protection can be contacted on 1300 30 40 54 or consumer@docep.wa.gov.au for further information or assistance.