Schoolies Questions & Answers
- Where can I book accommodation?
- What are my accommodation rights?
- What if I have accommodation problems?
- What if my accommodation provider kicks me out?
- Is it OK for me to take alcohol into my hotel room?
- Does anyone have the authority to search my bags?
- Is it OK if my friends buy me alcohol?
- Is it OK if my parents supply me alcohol?
- Should I bring my school ID?
- If I am going to Schoolies outside the dates of the official program will there be activities and support services?
Where can I book accommodation?
Shop around and compare prices of different accommodation providers and check to see if a bond is required, as not every provider charges it. Do not be misled into thinking there is only one way you can book or one booking agency — you can contact travel agents and accommodation providers directly to find other options.
Check whether the accommodation house rules suit you before you book.
What are my accommodation rights?
For more information on accommodation rights check out Get out there! A survival guide for young adults, available from the Office of Fair Trading website or phone 13 13 04.
What if I have accommodation problems?
If you have a dispute with the accommodation manager or booking agent, follow these steps:
- Step 1
- First check your responsibilities under the booking terms and conditions, house rules and/or accommodation agreement.
- Step 2
- Try and work with the accommodation manager or booking agency to reach an agreement. Accommodation managers must have a complaint handling process in place, and you should immediately lodge a complaint in writing if you feel you have been treated unfairly.
- Step 3
- Call the Office of Fair Trading for advice on 13 13 04. You may lodge a formal written complaint online.
- Step 4
- If an agreement cannot be reached, contact the Department of Justice and Attorney-General's Alternative Dispute Resolution Branch on 1800 017 288.
What if my accommodation provider kicks me out?
Try to stay calm. Ask your accommodation manager if you can stay while you make alternative arrangements.
You can call the Office of Fair Trading for advice on 13 13 04, or emergency (outside business hours) accommodation enquiries can be directed to Hotel Chaplaincy Australia (The Red Frog Crew) on 1300 557 123.
Is it OK for me to take alcohol into my hotel room?
If you are staying in a licensed hotel or motel it is an offence for underage people to be in possession of liquor. There is a maximum fine of $1,875. If there is no liquor licence for the accommodation units, this is a matter for the owner or manager so if you want to take alcohol into your room you should check with the house rules or ask the accommodation provider before you bring your alcohol.
Does anyone have the authority to search my bags?
The position at law is as follows:
- A trader (including an apartment complex manager) can make it a term of entry into the store or apartment, that the trader has a right to conduct bag searches.
- Upon seeking to exercise that contractual right, the trader must ask for your consent to search your bag.
- If consent is given, the trader can search your bag.
- If you do not agree to a bag search, the trader cannot search your bag. If the trader does search your bag in this instance, they are committing an offence, as well as infringing your civil rights.
- If you do not give consent, the trader can exercise any rights in contract that they may have. This may include eviction from the shop/apartment, but only if the terms of the contract provide for this.
The same applies to room inspections. Inspections can occur if they are stated in your house rules and you have signed consent to the house rules. This may be a condition some providers insist on.
Is it OK if my friends buy me alcohol?
Liquor cannot be provided to under 18s in or around licensed premises or in public places. If friends purchase alcohol for you they may be liable to an on the spot fine of $600 or a fine of up to $3,000. you too could face an on the spot fine of $225 or maximum fine of $1,875.
Is it OK if my parents supply me alcohol?
Sometimes parents choose to purchase liquor for their under 18-year-old teens for Schoolies. This is not an offence. If you are staying at a licensed hotel or motel it is an offence for you to be in possession of liquor. There is a maximum fine of $1,875. Problems can also occur if you leave your accommodation units to join in other activities. If you have been drinking you may be fined for being drunk in a public place or drinking in a public place if you have liquor in your possession.
Should I bring my school ID?
Yes, bring some form of school ID (like your School ID card).
If I am going to Schoolies outside the dates of the official program will there be activities and support services?
Organised activities for Schoolies will only run during the official program dates. However, in Surfers Paradise extra police officers will be patrolling the area both during and after Gold Coast Schoolies community safety response to maximise public safety.
Last updated: 31 July 2008
