Avoid Easter and school holiday confusion

Parents with school age children have been warned to check the school holiday calendar before they book travel or accommodation for Easter this year.

“For the first time in at least 10 years, the Easter long weekend does not coincide with the end-of-first-term school holidays,” the acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice John Mickel said today.

“To avoid costly disappointments, families with school age children should be aware that the Easter long weekend will take place between Friday, 21 March, and Monday, 24 March 2008.

“Parents may mistakenly assume the school holidays begin with the Easter weekend, as it does most years, but that’s not the case this year.

“Easter Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays but the school holidays do not begin until two weeks later.

“This year the public school holidays will run from 7 to 11 April.

“I would urge any parents with children at private schools to check what dates their holidays start.”

Mr Mickel said traders were not obliged to make changes, or give refunds for cancellations, for pre-paid travel or accommodation bookings.

“Consumers who make travel or accommodation bookings, based on their own miscalculation of holiday dates, may end up out of pocket,” he said.

“I’m urging everyone who is planning to book travel or accommodation for either the Easter weekend or the school holidays, to check their dates carefully to avoid confusion and financial hardship.

“When making any travel or accommodation bookings, consumers should always be sure to:

·get receipts and proof of bookings;

·receive confirmation in writing the cost of all inclusive items and extras and details of any charges for booking changes or cancellations;

·provide contact details to booking or travel agents and accommodation providers; and

·if there is a problem, talk to the trader to try to work out a mutually agreeable solution.”

For information about both consumer and trader rights and responsibilities in relation to contracts, visit the Office of Fair Trading on www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 13 04.
 

Media contact: Shannon Mackay 3237 1125

January 8, 2007