Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge today announced the Keneally Government is investing nearly $3 million to improve services for consumers and traders in Western Sydney in 2010-11.

Ms Judge said the funding is part of a total allocation of $195.7 million for Fair Trading services in the State Budget.

“The Keneally Government is working hard to deliver frontline Fair Trading services to consumers and traders in Western Sydney,” she said.

“The Government funds 40 organisations across Western Sydney, including financial counselling, no interest loans and tenancy and advocacy advice.

“There are also Fair Trading Centres in Parramatta, Blacktown and Penrith which employ more than 35 staff.

“These vital services are designed to support consumers and help those in need.”

Some of the community services that will receive funding include:

• South West Sydney Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service – $340,408
• Western Sydney Tenants Service (Parramatta) – $305,058
• Inner West Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service – $277,010
• North Western Sydney Tenants Service – $261,478 and
• Wesley Creditline Financial Counselling Service – Penrith (Quakers Hill, Hawkesbury, Blacktown Outreach Services) – $206,048.

Last year, 26,421 residents across Western Sydney received assistance from these services.

Coordinator of The Salvation Army Moneycare, Tony Devlin welcomed the State Budget.

“The NSW Government’s support really makes a difference and allows us to help those in financial crisis,” he said.

”Many of the people we are working with in the area are still suffering significant mortgage stress and we work with them to help them stay in their homes."

The Parramatta, Blacktown and Penrith Fair Trading Centres are open Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm.

Back to Media releases