What is South Australia’s Consumer and Business Services?
The South Australia Office of Consumer and Business Services (CBS) offers information and services to consumers, traders and businesses living and operating in South Australia. CBS has three main aims:
- look out for consumer interests;
- help and regulate businesses; and
- keep a record of important events in the lives of South Australians.
CBS is a branch of the South Australian Government’s Attorney-General’s Department. This article will explain some of the services that CBS offers.
What Services Are Provided by CBS?
From businesses to individuals and traders, CBS provides a range of services to those living and working in South Australia. CBS also oversees a number of laws in South Australia.
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Administration related to births, deaths and marriages is taken care of by CBS. For example, you can:
- register a birth;
- apply for a birth certificate;
- register or apply for a death certificate;
- register your intention to marry or apply for a marriage certificate;
- get married in a registry office;
- register or end a registered relationship; and
- correct a certificate named above.
Liquor, Gambling and Lotteries
CBS handles liquor and gambling licensing. It also sets the parameters around operating a safe and responsible liquor or gambling venue. CBS also governs the regulations associated with:
- liquor;
- casinos;
- gaming;
- lotteries;
- racing;
- betting; and
- charities.
In addition, CBS handles all complaints related to licensed premises.
Work and Business Licences
Certain types of work require a licence. For instance, the business needing a licence will operate in a regulated industry. Therefore, you can apply for work and business licenses with CBS.
In line with laws administered by CBS, the department monitors business practices in those regulated environments and examines activities that may result in a negative outcome. For example, regulated industries include construction, real estate, vehicle dealer and repair, security, labour-hire and tattooing.
Consumer and Business Advice
CBS helps individuals and businesses understand ‘consumer’ rights. For consumers, businesses must sell goods fairly, and the product must be fit for purpose. Above all, businesses need to know how to run their business in compliance with the Australian Consumer Law. Essentially, CBS is a consumer protection agency handling conduct engaged in by businesses in or associated with South Australia.
Customers may contact CBS if they believe a business has mistreated them. After that, CBS will consider their complaint and contact the business to gather information and clarify the facts. They then may then offer advice and help to both the consumer and the business to achieve a resolution. If a solution is not found, CBS might arrange a compulsory conference for both parties to attend. Additionally, CBS will act as a neutral third party and facilitate the meeting.
Renting and Letting Advice
CBS provides a range of services to individuals looking to rent in South Australia. CBS also offers advice to renters on finding a secure place to rent, including young people and students, and assistance for domestic violence victims. In addition, CBS manages bond lodgements and refunds.
Associations and Cooperatives
CBS disseminates information for and helps set up associations, co-operatives, and community organisations. In addition, CBS helps associations become incorporated or register as a co-operative.
| Incorporated Association | A not-for-profit may choose to ‘incorporate’ or form a legal identity separate from the members which make up that organisation. An incorporated association is recorded on a public register, it can sue and be sued, the incorporated association can enter into contracts, and a committee typically runs its affairs. |
| Co-operative | A voluntary coming together of people to promote mutual, social, cultural, and economic benefits may be a co-operative. A co-operative is a company, is open to people who employ its services, and is democratic. Co-operatives can distribute and give surplus funds to their members. They can also be non-distributing, so they will not distribute funds to members and will use additional funds to continue their activities. |
Research, Education and Enforcement
CBS investigates topics relating to the interests of consumers as well as regulated business compliance. Additionally, CBS circulates educational material and runs information sessions on matters concerning consumer safety. For instance, it studies compliance matters in certain focus areas, including:
- association;
- building;
- casino;
- gambling;
- wagering;
- liquor;
- plumbing;
- gas fitting;
- electrical;
- real estate;
- conveyancing;
- vehicle dealers; and
- security.
CBS investigations often result in some form of law enforcement, such as issuing fines, public warnings, or taking a matter to court.
How Do I Contact CBS?
You can contact CBS online, by phone or by mail. Additionally, certain services are available in person. For the most up-to-date contact information, visit cbs.sa.gov.au/contact.
By Phone
131 882 | Monday to Friday 9 am to 4.30 pm
By Post
Consumer & Business Services | GPO Box 1719 Adelaide SA 5001
Key Takeaways
LegalVision is a full-service law firm offering a wide range of services. Our regulatory and compliance lawyers advise on a variety of regulatory environments. Additionally, our team can help ensure your business meets the requirements of the Australian Consumer Law or industry-specific regulations. Our team also advises on and helps with licensing, including liquor licensing applications. Contact LegalVision’s regulatory and compliance lawyers on 1300 544 755 or fill out the form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
CBS provides a number of services in Australia. For example, these include renting advice, issuing birth and death certificates and issuing licences for specific industries.
You can contact CBS online, by phone or by mail. Additionally, some services are available in person.
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