Lost ALL of my hire payment under the Terms & Conditions in 'Cancellation Policy.'

Situation

Recently, I arranged to visit a recreation facility run by an Authority that operates under the purview of a particular state or territory government.

Prior to my planned visit to this destination, I hired some equipment online from an agency operating under the Authority's control, paying almost $70.00 each in advance for a few people.

I choked somewhat when having to agree to the apparently punitive nature of Point 3 in the Terms and Conditions:

Cancellation

1.       More than seven days before the proposed visit, No Charge – full refund to be paid.

2.       From three to seven days before the booking date, A $15 fee will be deducted from the balance.

3.       Two days of less notice provided: The full booking payment is withheld.

Sadly, an unforeseen family event caused me to cancel my trip 36 hours beforehand. Under the above Terms and Conditions, I lost multiples of my $70.00, as I had also booked and paid for several family members.

How many other members of the public, including overseas tourists, have been caught out in this manner?

With computerisation, a cancelled booking ought to quickly reveal where the item(s) might be made available to walk-in customers on the day. I need help seeing how the retention of the full payment on a cancellation can involve the forfeit of full payment. A 20% fee levy for a cancellation would be tolerable.

My question is

Realising this is not a case for the Small Claims Court; I'd be grateful for members' advice on how to complain to the relevant Authority and the responsible ministry of the state/territory government, drawing attention to the hire agency's terms and conditions which to me at least, appear to be outrageous.