Question: What should I do if the payment for my gym membership has already been deducted, but the gym is closed due to COVID-19?

Answer passage (source: Australia):
page_title: COVID-19 (coronavirus) information for consumers
section_headers: Gym memberships
What if the payments have already been deducted?
section_content: 
If payments have been deducted then you should contact the business to have the payments refunded.


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Clear, relevant answer, but lacks detail or links to more information.
This answer does not provide any information and does not relate to gym membership and membership fees.

Reviewer ratings:
Acceptable
Bad

Answer passage (source: Australia):
page_title: COVID-19 (coronavirus) information for consumers
section_headers: Gym memberships
What if I have made an upfront payment that covers the closure period?
section_content: 
If you’ve made an upfront payment that covers the period of the closure then the ACCC expects you will receive a refund or other remedy such as a credit note or voucher. However, if the service has been suspended due to government restrictions, this impacts your rights to a refund under the consumer guarantees. You should look at the terms and conditions of your contract and any cancellation policy announced by the business, and get in touch with them directly. You may also have rights under contract law where the contract can no longer be performed.


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Provides an overview of refund eligibility and links to more detailed guidance.
This answer, while related, does not specifically address gym memberships and the membership fee.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Could be Improved

Answer passage (source: Australia):
page_title: COVID-19 (coronavirus) information for consumers
section_headers: Local sporting clubs or associations 
I have paid a registration or membership fee up front but the season has been suspended. Am I entitled to a refund?
section_content: 
Your rights to a refund under the consumer guarantees may not apply if the activity has stopped due to government restrictions.
You should check for a cancellation policy under your membership terms and conditions, and contact the state or national body directly to see if you are entitled to a full or partial refund, credit note or voucher.
The ACCC expects that you will be offered a refund or a credit note or voucher for the period that the season is suspended. If you receive a credit note or voucher, this should be applied when the 2020 season recommences, or a future season if the 2020 season remains cancelled.
The ACCC encourages state and national bodies, and clubs and associations, to treat consumers fairly in these circumstances and to consider appropriate mechanisms to provide refunds or other remedies such as credit notes or vouchers to consumers.
Consumers should also be mindful that the impact of COVID-19 is significant for smaller clubs and associations.


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Comprehensive answer about how to handle closures due to coronavirus.
This answer, while related to the question, does not fully answer if gym membership fees fall under the category.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Could be Improved