An increasingly alarming trend that has taken rise over the last 24 months is the rise in reports of odometer tampering. An illegal act involving the alteration or even resetting of a vehicle’s odometer to suggest the vehicle has less mileage on it than it has done, potentially thousands of unknowing customers are being taken for a ride each year and sold a vehicle with a misrepresented odometer.
This issue is not just limited to Queensland either. Conversations with other state MTAs indicate this is a pressing issue nationwide, and one that needs immediate attention and action.
Looking to tackle this practice head-on, we have developed an online reporting platform where anyone who has been impacted by odometer tampering can submit any evidence and details. This will allow us to report valuable information to the Office of Fair Trading who can then act and prosecute offenders. All evidence is welcome!
Businesses should also be made aware of changes passed in Parliament regarding the introduction of penalties for businesses who install unfair terms in their standard form contracts with small businesses.
For too long small businesses have been cornered into unfair negotiations by businesses who have gone unpunished for unfair contract terms. These new laws, however, will put an end to such practices and give small businesses renewed trust when negotiating.
We are in the process of working with our national counterparts to understand the impact these changes will have on members and develop strategies for supporting small businesses moving forward.
9 November 2022