The Keneally Government will continue to invest heavily in consumer protection services and support in regional and rural New South Wales.

Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge said more than $8.5 million of Fair Trading’s community grants budget will be spent in country areas in 2010-11.

“This Keneally Government investment is building a better future for tenants, people experiencing financial difficulties and seniors living in supported accommodation,” she said.

“Rural consumers and traders will also benefit from industry grants worth nearly $1.6 million through training and education, advocacy and improved industry standards.”

Ms Judge said a wide range of Fair Trading services were delivered directly to regional and rural communities through ongoing Regional Access Programs (RAPs).

“The program has been operating since 1998 and over the next 12 months Fair Trading will conduct at least 12 RAPs,” she said.

“This is about delivering Fair Trading staff and services into regional communities to ensure consumer rights are safeguarded.

“Compliance teams carry out a range of inspections to ensure traders understand their rights and responsibilities and are complying with the law.”

The Keneally Government also invests in 18 Fair Trading Centres in regional and rural centres across the state, as well as the Registry of Cooperatives and Associations in Bathurst.

“These services support regional and rural employment and help bolster local economies, employing 149 staff,” Ms Judge said.

“Regional and rural consumers can also access a range of Fair Trading services at other government agency locations throughout the state, including Business Enterprise Centres, court houses and RTA offices.”

The Keneally Government’s Fair Trading Centres can be found at:

• Albury, 490 David Street
• Armidale, 85 Faulkner Street
• Bathurst, 154 Russell Street
• Broken Hill, NSW Government Office Block, 32 Sulphide Street
• Coffs Harbour, 22 Park Avenue
• Dubbo, 50 Wingewarra Street
• 37 Mann Street
• Goulburn, 39 Goldsmith Street
• Grafton, 50 Victoria Street
• Lismore, Suite 5, Upper Ground Floor, Conway Court, 17 Conway Street
• Newcastle, Level 5, 400 Hunter Street
• Orange, 184-186 Lords Place
• Port Macquarie, 143 Horton Street
• Queanbeyan, Ground Floor, 11 Farrer Place
• Tamworth, Suite 3-5, Kable Korner Complex, Cnr Kable Avenue and Darling Street
• Tweed Heads, Suite 26, Level 2, 75 Wharf Street
• Wagga Wagga, 8 Baylis Street and
• Wollongong, Level 3, 43 Burelli Street.

Consumers can also access Fair Trading services via the Consumer Hotline on 13 32 20 or at this website.

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