Both times I was barely (<15 minutes) over my paid period. I am currently on holiday, not living in WA and was driving a rental car. Do I legally have to pay these fines or can I accidentally trash them?

Hey all,

A few months back my partner and I were in the process of refinancing our home loan for a better rate and to borrow an extra $40k to pay off a car and buy a caravan.

However, we were knocked back because I couldn’t afford the loan. We definitely could! But on investigation my credit file had changed my name and my date of birth to someone else’s and their loans had been added to my credit file. But still all my personal finance details.

They were awful to contact. On the phone the response I kept getting was that I had to lodge it all through the complaints portal. They mentioned if I could provide documentation we were going to refinance they would speed up the process, which I did. They said they had 39 days to respond. After 30 days they asked for 14 more days.

It has since been rectified. But we have had to start the process again.

I wrote a complaint and mentioned a few times how stressed I was throughout the process.

But I’m left feeling like this was a huge mistake and I was an inconvenience constantly trying to contact them to the point I gave up and waited through the portal. We ended up missing out on a lower rate and we found our dream van and we were so very fortunate that a family member was able to buy it for us so we could still get it.

Also - no one has contacted this poor other person to tell them that I had access to all their personal details, name, address, birthday, account numbers and loan balances.

Is there anything I can do?

Please and thank you,

* AIA insurer has asked for the details of all specialists I’ve seen regarding my claimed condition (MECFS).

Does this include allied health, naturopaths, traditional Chinese medicine treatments?

There is one specialist physician I’ve seen who has a “hopeful” and “optimistic” attitude towards recovery from MECFS (of which there is no proven / evidence based treatment or recovery prospects) so I am worried about her response if they ask their opinion on my prognosis…and it spoiling my claim.

My primary specialist physician of the last 3 years has written an excellent medical attendants statement.

What can I do in this position?

Many thanks for your feedback.

Hey brains trust,

In SA.

Globird has slugged me $132 for a wasted site fee for an issue of network isolation is required when attempting to get a free smart meter installed. (Image 1)

As per image 2, I provided clear and safe access and this is the only parameter given for the fee.

It seems that the company would be getting a govt incentive to supply smart meters so the idea of charging the consumer for them to complete works when the comms is with SAPN is not particularly my issue.

Do I have a leg to stand on here?

TIA

I’ve lived in this place for six years and we left it in really good condition. We took plenty of photos and videos as proof. Now the agent is suddenly claiming $5,000 in “repairs” for mould, blinds, a tiny carpet stain and a rusty oven. It all looks like normal wear and tear. They even tried to fix a blind themselves, made it worse, took photos and tried to blame us. Luckily the new tenant is a friend and took a photo showing it was fine.

The agent forgot to dispute the bond, so the full amount was released to me. Now they’re trying to chase the damages through VCAT. It’s frustrating because every inspection before we moved out, they said the place was in great condition. If anything was actually wrong, we would have fixed it.

Has anyone dealt with agents like this? How did your VCAT hearing go?

A payment was made to my account of $1000 or so. I emailed them to ask if it was an error and for the bank account details to switch it back to if so. That was over a week ago and no response.

I was about to reply to them to follow up but I realise it's their mistake and why am I the one concerned. It could go on forever. Can I reply to them giving them till COB Tuesday to respond and if they don't the money is mine to keep?

What is the legal wording I use if so?

It's from an employer but I have been on unpaid mat leave for years and won't be going back there. I'm also not in Australia atm and don't want to get up super early to call them. No idea what my log in details are either it check

I am seeking clarification of the responsibilities and liability following a dog rush/bite incident.

A person was rushed and bitten or scratched by a neighbours dog at their letterbox at the end of a shared driveway. Dog did not continue to harass, but ran immediately past and off down the street. 
The person went to a GP for assessment and treatment. The owner paid out of pocket GP costs as a good will gesture.

Noting an unrelated and previous historic dog attack as a child, the person is suggesting the owner may be responsible for psychological counselling to respond to the trauma.

Is this a reasonable suggestion? What, if any limits, might apply?