Office of Consumer and Business Affairs

The Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA) can assist with certain complaints about goods and services that were advertised and purchased in South Australia: see what OCBA can/can not handle.

Consumers are advised to try to resolve the problem by talking directly to the trader first, and if that is unsuccessful, to put the complaint and possible solutions to the trader in writing. It is wise to ask for a response within a reasonable time frame and to give the trader an opportunity to fix the problem. OCBA has suggestions about the best way to approach the trader on their website, which include sample draft letters of complaint.

Consumers who have tried to resolve the dispute themselves and been unsuccessful can contact OCBA and explain the steps they have already undertaken. OCBA may send the consumer a ‘request for assistance’ form and may be able to assist them to negotiate through a dispute resolution process. OCBA’s Consumer Complaints guide provides a good summary of the process.

OCBA does not have the power to make legally binding decisions. Only the courts can do this. If the dispute resolution process is unsuccessful, the OCBA case officer may provide advice about other options if the consumer wants to take the matter further.

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