Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge today announced the results of a recent NSW Fair Trading education and compliance campaign in the Hills district.

Ms Judge said during the Hills Shire Community Access Program, delivered between 19 and 23 July, Fair Trading officers visited 198 business premises.

“Investigators undertook compliance checks at 12 motor dealers, 45 motor vehicle repairers and 31 retails outlets,” she said.

“Another 110 traders were visited by Fair Trading officers and provided with information on lay-bys, refunds, complaint handling and feedback and other matters relating to Fair Trading legislation.”

Ms Judge said investigators detected a total of 72 breaches by motor dealers and repairers – 15 breaches of the Motor Dealers Act 1974 and 57 breaches of the Motor Vehicle Repairs Act 1980.

“The majority of these breaches were technical and involved: failure to display licence certificates or prescribed notices; inadequate signage; or, failure to keep or record information in prescribed registers,” she said.

“One other business was also operating without a registered business name. All traders found with technical breaches were issued with inspection reports.

“Several more serious breaches were detected and I call on those businesses to improve their adherence to laws.

“Three motor vehicle repairers were operating unlicensed and five were operating outside of the class of repair prescribed on their licence. One motor dealer was found selling vehicles on consignment with no trust account in place and no prescribed register.”

Ms Judge said 31 retail premises were visited.

“Eighteen breaches of the Business Names Act, seven breaches of the Fair Trading Act and one breach of the Graffiti Control Act were detected,” she said.

“All these businesses were issued with inspection reports and will be re-inspected, without notice.”

Ms Judge said nearly 700 people attended 15 information sessions, held for the following groups: incorporated associations; licensed builders; partners of builders; real estate agents; people living in strata and community schemes, self-managing landlords; motor dealers and repairers; local council staff; community workers; the multicultural community; and, seniors and high school students.

“Information stands at the Rouse Hill Shopping Centre and displays at Castle Hill and Vinegar Hill libraries were also well attended,” she said.

Back to Media releases

Top of page