• Family, relationships and children
• Violence - family, domestic and other
• Crime, police and victims of crime
• Birth, life, death
• Cars and driving
• Work, money and social security
  • Work
  • Money problems
  • Social security recipients and family assistance
  • Buying goods and services
  • Consumers
  • Collecting a debt
  • Disputing or settling a debt
  • Going to court for a debt
• Homes and neighbours
• Being treated fairly
• Immigration
• People in the community
• Solving your legal problem

For information and tips on buying a mobile phone including on choosing a mobile phone, and deciding on a pre-paid plan or a contract, go to the MoneySmart website. 

For information on what suppliers of telecommunications services must do in relation to sales and service, billing, provision and management of credit, changing supplies and complaint handling see the Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code.

If you are having problems with your phone where you go to sort out the problem depends on what the problem is :

• If your phone is not working, contact the store that sold you the phone or the network provider.
• If you have problems with the bill, contract, coverage, network faults, etc eg being overcharged, contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) on 1800 062 058. The TIO will also look into complaints about faulty handsets where the handset was bought as part of a contract or bundled deal. This is free help if you can't sort out your problem directly. You can find out more about how to make a complaint at Complaints about telecommunications and utilities. 
• If you are having problems with managing your phone bills talk to your mobile service provider or the TIO immediately. You may also need to contact a financial counsellor. See Money Problems for more information.

How can I check if something I am buying is under finance?

You can check the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) to see if something like a car, artwork, boat or other valuable second hand property over $5000 is under finance or some other security interest before you buy it. This is a national register.

It is a database that contains information about personal property that is subject to finance or other security interest. Real estate is not covered.

If the business you are buying from does not ordinarily sell the goods you are buying and they are valued at more than $5000, you may want to check the PPSR.

A fee is charged to check the register.