Report Deceptive Advertising to Perth Council - Bylaw Guide
Perth, Western Australia residents and businesses who encounter misleading or deceptive advertising should know how local and state authorities handle complaints. This guide explains where to report suspect advertising in Perth, what evidence to collect, which departments may enforce local laws and state consumer rules, and the practical steps to get a matter investigated.
Overview
Deceptive advertising can include false claims about products or services, misleading price representations, unapproved signage on public land, and advertising that breaches permit conditions. In Perth these issues may be addressed by a combination of City by-law enforcement (for signs, local permits and unauthorised use of public space) and state consumer regulators for misleading conduct under Western Australia consumer protection laws.
How to report deceptive advertising
Before you report, gather clear evidence: dated photos, the precise location, business name and advertisement text, any price comparisons, and witness details. Keep copies of screenshots for online adverts and note the date and time you observed the advertising. Provide a short statement of how the advertisement is misleading.
- Collect evidence: photos, screenshots, receipts and URLs where applicable.
- Record advertiser details: business name, ABN if visible, and contact details.
- Note dates and times when the advertising was displayed or posted.
- Decide whether the issue is a local sign/permit matter for council or a consumer law matter for state regulators.
- Contact the City of Perth by-law enforcement or the WA Department that handles consumer protection to lodge a complaint.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement can be by City by-law officers for local signage and unauthorised advertising on public land, and by state consumer protection authorities for misleading or deceptive conduct. Specific fine amounts for deceptive advertising or unauthorised signage are not specified on a single consolidated city page and may be set out across different local laws and state statutes; where a fine appears on an official page it should be quoted directly from that source.
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offences may attract higher penalties or daily fines; ranges are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: removal or seizure of unauthorised signs, compliance or removal orders, injunctions or court action.
- Enforcer: City of Perth by-law enforcement for local matters and WA consumer protection authorities for misleading conduct under state/federal consumer law.
- Appeal/review: internal review by the council and external review routes such as state tribunals may be available; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
- Defences/discretion: councils or regulators may consider reasonable excuse, permits, or compliance remediation; individual defences depend on the controlling instrument.
Applications & Forms
Some reports can be made using online complaint forms on the City of Perth and WA consumer protection websites. Where a dedicated by-law or sign permit form exists it will be published by the City; if no form is required, councils may accept a written report or online enquiry. For state consumer complaints, WA consumer protection or the ACCC provide online complaint and report forms.
Common violations
- False or exaggerated product claims that mislead consumers.
- Unauthorised roadside or public-space signage without a council permit.
- Misleading clearance, pricing or conditional offers that omit key terms.
- Non-compliant advertising attached to building works or development sites.
FAQ
- Who enforces deceptive advertising in Perth?
- The City of Perth enforces local laws on signs and use of public space while Western Australia consumer protection authorities handle misleading or deceptive conduct under consumer law.
- What evidence should I provide?
- Provide dated photos, exact location, advertiser details, screenshots for online ads, and a short statement explaining why the ad is misleading.
- Will I be told the outcome?
- Outcomes depend on the enforcing agency; councils and state regulators will usually acknowledge receipt, but publication of enforcement action may be limited.
How-To
- Gather evidence: take clear photos, screenshots and record times and dates.
- Identify the likely enforcer: council for unauthorised signs, state consumer protection for misleading claims.
- Submit a report: use the City of Perth online reporting channel for local issues and the WA consumer protection online form for consumer law matters.
- Follow up: note your report reference, ask for expected timeframes, and provide additional evidence if requested.
- Appeal or seek review: if you disagree with a decision, ask the council for its internal review process and check external review options with state tribunals.
Key Takeaways
- Collect clear, time-stamped evidence before reporting.
- Report local sign issues to City of Perth and consumer-law issues to WA consumer protection.
- Keep records of your report and any correspondence for follow up or appeal.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Perth contact and reporting pages
- WA Consumer Protection - consumer issues and misleading advertising
- ACCC guidance on advertising and promotions