Fair Trading has launched its 2010 Regional Access Program in Parkes and Forbes this week.

Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge said Regional Access Programs (RAPS) target rural and regional areas across NSW to educate consumers and traders about Fair Trading issues.

“The Keneally Government is committed to supporting consumers and traders across the state,” Ms Judge said.

“Over the past 12 years, RAPS has played a vital role in educating communities about Fair Trading services.

“Whether it’s home building, motor vehicles, retirement villages, refunds or trade measurement, Fair Trading is working hard to protect consumers and ensure that traders are complying with the law.”

Ms Judge said the first Regional Access Program took place at Broken Hill in 1998.

In 2009:

• 321 Fair Trading staff visited 15 towns across the state,
• 158 promotional activities were delivered to nearly 6,300 participants,
• The Money Stuff program, aimed at teaching young people about managing their finances, was presented to nearly 1,000 teenagers at 28 schools,
• 29 information sessions were delivered to almost 1,600 members of the motor dealer, real estate and building industries,
• Fair Trading officers carried out more than 2,200 targeted business inspections with approximately 500 breaches of legislation detected and
• 550 builders and tradespeople were inspected, with only 56 breaches detected, mainly for unlicensed activity. This translates to a compliance rate of 92 per cent in the residential building industry across regional NSW.

Ms Judge said Fair Trading will visit more than 16 locations this year as part of RAPS.

“This week, Fair Trading inspectors are visiting traders, checking motor vehicle licences and carrying out compliance checks at building sites in Parkes and Forbes,” she said.

“Officers will also conduct trade measurement checks of fuel and liquor dispensers and test scales at supermarkets to ensure consumers don’t get ripped off.”

The next RAP will be held at Tamworth from 3 to 7 May.

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