Ban on travel agent

A SPRINGVALE travel agent is now trading under tough restrictions following accusations her business failed to provide tickets to more than 30 customers.
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) director Dr Claire Noone welcomed a court-imposed injunction placed on Julie Kang Pty Ltd which trades as Julie’s Travel and its director Julie Kang.
“I am pleased that the court has acted to safeguard consumers’ interests by issuing a temporary injunction pending the matter going back to court on 18 December 2008.”
The court ordered Julie Kang and her company to stop accepting payments from consumers for airline tickets and similar services unless they provide the airline tickets at the time of payment.
Dr Noone said the successful court action followed CAV receiving several complaints that Julie’s Travel had not provided tickets to consumers who had booked travel over the busy holiday period.
She said the CAV was aware of at least 30 consumers who had been affected by the business operations of Julie’s Travel.
“This court action was taken under the consumer protection powers of the Fair Trading Act,” Dr Noone said. “These powers give CAV the ability to quickly stop unlawful conduct by using civil actions, such as injunction applications.
“Consumers should have confidence that they are being protected by the Fair Trading Act and that if they make a complaint to CAV appropriate action will be taken.”