Advocate takes the fight for Port Stephens' disabled and elderly

Raymond Terrace resident John Williams said that he was alarmed at the cost being quoted by manufacturers for the supply and fit of two 12 volt/75amp power batteries he required for his mobility scooter.

"I received quotes by three separate Hunter manufacturers more than $800 for the supply and labour of the batteries, which I was able to purchase around a third of the cost by shopping around online."

NSW Fair Trading says that while businesses were generally free to set prices on goods and services according to market forces, the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) required businesses to display clear and accurate prices.

"It is against the law for businesses to mislead consumers about the price of an item or service," a Fair Trading spokesperson said.

"Additionally, excessive pricing may be unconscionable under the ACL where the product is critical to the health or safety of vulnerable consumers.

"Consumers are encouraged to shop around in order to make an informed decision about whether the price of the goods or services offered is reasonable across the market."

Mr Williams, at nearly 80 years old, uses a mobility scooter to assist with his severe mobility issues.

"I have a Pride Sportrider which requires two 12v/75 amp batteries. Recently the batteries needed replacing so I contacted a range of Hunter firms who sell and service mobility machines for a price on the supply and fit of new batteries.

"All quotes came in around the $800 mark which I was reluctant to pay. It was suggested to me to go directly to a battery supplier, which I found online and was able to purchase the two batteries for a total of $285.

"My son was able to change the batteries over for me in under 20 minutes, which means some of these firms are charging aged and disabled people more than $500 in labour alone.

"I am going public because I feel for the great many vulnerable people out there paying more than they should."

The Fair Trading spokesperson said that it was committed to protecting the rights of both consumers and businesses. Fair Trading encourages a fair marketplace for consumers and traders by ensuring traders are compliant with existing regulatory requirements.

"We safeguard consumer rights under the ACL and investigate alleged breaches of the legislation we administer. In doing so, Fair Trading also seeks to educate and engage with both consumers and traders on issues that affect their rights and obligations.

"Fair Trading strongly encourages all businesses to set fair prices, and recommends consumers raise a complaint with Fair Trading about businesses allegedly attempting to profit through unconscionable behaviour."

"In some limited circumstances, excessive pricing may be unconscionable, for example where the product is critical to the health or safety of vulnerable consumers. Under ACL, businesses must display clear and accurate prices. If a business makes misleading claims about the reason for price increases, it will be in breach of Australian Consumer Law. There is currently no regulation of the price of goods and services in NSW. Accordingly, consumers are encouraged to compare prices before purchasing."

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