Fair trading inspectors
Fair Trading inspectors have legal authority to investigate alleged breaches of fair trading laws by businesses and licensees.
Inspectors can:
- investigate claims and complaints
- do spot checks
- take enforcement action in the event of a breach.
Inspectors
An inspector must show you their identification (ID) as soon as they arrive. Their ID card will always include their photograph and signature.
An inspector can enter a place if:
- it’s an open, public place
or - they have the owner’s permission
or - the Magistrates Court has issued them a warrant.
Once inside, they can:
- search the premises
- seize possessions
- take copies of documents
- take other people or equipment into the area.
You must follow any lawful direction they give you. If requested, you must give them:
- your name and address
- any information they ask for about the matter they are investigating
- copies of any documents they ask for.
Inspectors also have the power to stop or move a vehicle if they reasonably suspect that it contains evidence of an offence.
Breaches
You may face penalties if an inspector finds that you:
- have involved in unlicensed or other illegal activity
- obstructed their investigation
- disobeyed a lawful direction they gave you.
| Offence | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|
| Obstruct an inspector exercising a power | $30,960.00 or up to 1 year imprisonment |
| Failure to give name and address to an inspector | $7,740.00 or up to 1 year imprisonment |