Consumer & Business Services - Adelaide, South Australia

Russell K.

Attended in person and had a fantastic experience. Brand new office, greeted by friendly concierge who assisted, then brand new seats in the waiting area. Customer service staff were exceptional and resolved my issue quickly and efficiently.

Alyssa M.

I lodged a case online with CBS after discovering that an unlicensed trader had misrepresented himself as licensed to install my front yard fence. Just a few weeks after the job was done, cracks appeared and the concrete began sinking.

A conciliation officer from CBS was initially assigned to help me, which I appreciated. However, I’m very disappointed with the outcome. The trader doesn’t appear to have faced any penalties, and his final offer lacked important details — such as when I would be refunded, who would remove the defective concrete, how the removal would be handled, and who would be responsible if anything went wrong.

I tried following up multiple times via phone and email, but received no further response. It feels like this case was only half resolved, and I made it clear in my emails that I needed further assistance. I genuinely believed CBS, as a government department, would be able to offer more support in this situation.

Unfortunately, I have not heard back, and my fence issues remain unresolved. I am now forced to seek help from other departments. Very disappointed with the process and outcome.

A C. N.

A total waste of time. Made a report regarding an electronic item breaking down within 3.5 years with the CBS. Two weeks later I get an email from CBS to send the company a letter in their template. I had already notified the company of my intention to escalate to ACCC - was refused options to repair, replacement or refund. Anyway used their template, still got declined any help.
Contacted CBS after being refused and I get asked to get a report from an 'expert' who can confirm that the product was being used correctly, quotes to repair and to confirm that it was being utilised properly. They kept saying they can't do much without all this. Complete waste of time and a very convoluted process. Should be outlined as a mandatory step rather than wasting people's time. The call out fee to get an 'expert' in itself would be enough for me to consider throwing the item out and buying brand new.

Shaft J.

I was supplied with a vehicle that was unsafe despite assurances from the dealer that it had been inspected pre-delivery. I filled out all the complaint forms, had good customer service from the CBS staff but was told after they had contacted the dealer that they didn't agree to my letter of demand and there was nothing more they could do.
I said the vehicle was unsafe and provided a statement from DIT Vehicle Inspections stating it was unsafe and therefore not fit for purpose and potentially in contravention of the Secondhand Vehicle Dealers Act and CBS couldn't even tell me if the Act applied to that type of vehicle. They said to take it to court. In my experience there is no enforcable consumer protection and therefore no reason for CBS to advocate on behalf of consumers. The dealers however are protected and know most people won't proceed to court. I contacted the office of the relevant minister and they didn't even bother to reply. I'd assume that in SA when you are buying from a dealer you have no consumer rights besides going to court.

Chris L.

The first time using the service to rectify an issue with a vehicle that was not fit for service, was unpleasant. Technical info was withheld from me until after mediation, which highlighted the deceitful behaviour of the local Nissan dealership.
Although Nissan provided a small amount of compensation, the director and other involved simply wasted our time.
Now calling to discuss a building concern, and got hung up on during a call back.
Consumers keep businesses operating, but the lack of actual support for consumers is sickening, while businesses can operate in breach of the laws, simply because prior don't have the time, capacity or funds to get what they are legally entitled to.
On hold again, hoping to make even a slight about of progress.

Adam

Over 20 years dealing with governing entities and I have never been helped so efficiently and professionally as Stephen did today. I wish I had 10 stars as he would be worth it. CBS please do not ever let him slip between your fingers, very thorough and knowledgable gentleman.

cathy B.

. Consumer and Business Services (CBS) – SA Government
⭐☆☆☆☆

No protection for small business or tenants. CBS was notified about a clearly unlawful distraint, illegal lease forfeiture, and fraudulent representations made during the sale of a business, but did not investigate or enforce consumer protections. Their inaction allowed serious misconduct to go unchecked. We expected oversight, not silence.

Brett W. (.

The BONDS system that cost tax payers $2.14 million, is not fit for operation by today's standards. The process is antiquated, dated and downright awful to navigate regardless of the user.

CBS website is lacking vital information and getting clarity on legal matters is hopeless, with dead end communications and conflicting advice via the advice lines.

CBS datasets are missing and have not been updated for more than 6 months, meaning transparency to the public is obscured, one can only presume for the purpose of hiding important information that would evidence a decline in service and standards within this government arm.