Get out there - October 2011 |
Welcome to the Get out there newsletter. This month as the Schoolies countdown begins we have some helpful tips to ensure you have a fun filled and safe holiday. Remember to be safe and watch your mates.
Accommodation
Here are some handy hints to help make sure you have no problems with your accommodation:
- Get a receipt for any money you pay, including your bond.
- If you don't already have one, get a copy of the house rules.
- Inspect your accommodation carefully when you arrive and report any damage immediately so you can´t be blamed for it later.
- If you change or cancel your booking, you may be charged a fee or lose your deposit.
- If the accommodation provider cancels your booking, you should receive all your money back because they have failed to fulfil your accommodation contract.
- If you are transferred to lesser accommodation, make sure you receive compensation equivalent to the difference in accommodation standard.
- If there is a problem during or after your stay, try and work with the accommodation provider to reach an agreement. Remember, good manners and courteous behaviour can assist you greatly in resolving a situation.
If your accommodation provider has treated you unfairly, lodge a complaint in writing to the Office of Fair Trading. For more information on renting accommodation, visit the Get out there website or download the Queensland Government Schoolies Information Booklet from www.schoolies.qld.gov.au.
Hiring cars or mopeds
Here are some handy tips for hiring cars or mopeds:
- Before you hire a vehicle, make sure your driver´s licence is current.
- Make sure you inspect the vehicle for existing damage and have all damage noted on the hire contract.
- Read the contract carefully, making sure you understand all terms and conditions, especially deposit and insurance information.
- Be sure to ask about third party insurance. If it is not offered, don´t hire the vehicle.
- Check for clauses that leave the hirer fully liable for any damage. Some traders may hold the group jointly responsible for damage to any of the vehicles (for example, if six people hire mopeds and only one is damaged, all six deposits can be held until the cost of the repairs is determined).
- Check the contract for restrictions on kilometres used, licence holders and road restrictions.
- Don´t drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. It´s extremely dangerous and can impair your judgement.
For more information on hiring cars or mopeds, visit the Get out there website or download the Queensland Government Schoolies Information Booklet from www.schoolies.qld.gov.au.
Irresponsible supply
Events such as schoolies and youth parties held at private residences often attract negative attention from the community due to minors consuming liquor without responsible supervision. It is important to know that supplying alcohol to a minor for unsupervised consumption on private premises can result in a fine of up to $8000 (according to Section 156A of the Liquor Act 1992).
It is an offence:
- for an adult who is not a responsible adult for the minor to supply liquor to a minor in a private place
- for a responsible adult for a minor to supply liquor to the minor in a private place, without responsibly supervising the consumption of the liquor.
For more information on secondary supply visit the Get out there website or the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation website.
Social media
Social networking sites, email and mobile phones are a great way of sharing your schoolies experience with friends, organising to meet up and finding out about activities and events taking place in your holiday area.
Remember, once you place content online it´s available for everyone to see. Think about the negative effects your content could have, particularly for yourself, your friends, your future employment prospects and even your safety.
Although you can control the content you personally upload, you cannot control the content other people post online. Be mindful of the activities you engage in. You could be filmed or photographed at any time without knowing; only to find out your activities are online for everyone to see.
If you behave responsibly and look out for your mates, you have a better chance of protecting your privacy and avoiding embarrassing or unsafe situations.
Mobile app
The Office of Fair Trading's free BuySmartQLD app for iPhone and Android mobile devices is now available for download.
This handy new app gives you round the clock access to info on your consumer rights including:
- your rights when you have a problem with a product
- what to do if you have changed your mind about a purchase
- gift cards and vouchers
- second-hand products
- online purchases
- receipts
- types of warranties
- repairs and replacements under warranty
- lay-bys.
Using BuySmartQLD, you can also:
- store photos of your receipts, in case they fade or are lost
- set a reminder for the expiry date of your gift cards
- set a reminder for your next lay-by payment
- set a reminder for warranty expiry date of a product.
For more information on OFT´s mobile app, visit our website.
Stay in touch with Get out there
As you begin the next phase of your lives after school, remember to visit Get out there for information on a variety of topics. Learn about finding the right job, starting university, renting your first place, buying a car or buying a house.
Tell your friends to sign up - Get out there really is the ultimate survival guide for young adults!
Last reviewed 14/10/2011 |
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