Fair Trading Deputy Commissioner Steve Griffin today encouraged service providers, community workers and organisations in western Sydney to attend a free Think Smart on Consumer Rights seminar on Thursday 30 September at Parramatta.

Mr Griffin said NSW Fair Trading and Anglicare Migrant and Refugee Services were delivering the seminar from 9am to 1pm at the Anglicare Training Room, Level 4, 16 Parkes Street in Parramatta.

“This seminar will help up-skill local multicultural service providers, community workers and educators, with information on recent legislative changes regarding tenancy and associations, as well as national reforms on matters, including credit,” he said.

“When these providers are fully aware of legislative amendments, it helps them better meet the settlement needs of multicultural clients and target groups.”

Anglicare Program Manager for Small and Emerging Communities, Cheryl Webster, said consumer rights impacted almost every aspect of people’s daily lives.

“When new migrants settle in Australia they enter into tenancy contracts and buy various goods and services,” she said. “They can be particularly vulnerable in these dealings as they may also be trying to cope with a new language and legal system.”

Representatives from Fair Trading, the Energy and Water Ombudsman (EWON), Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) and the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) will cover topics on:

• Resolving a complaint and lodging a complaint
• Changes to tenancy laws
• Changes to association laws
• Credit reform
• Issues with telephone and internet accounts
• How to lodge a complaint with EWON and other assistance.

Mr Griffin said NSW Fair Trading Think Smart program partners worked with Fair Trading to disseminate information about fair and ethical trading practices in New South Wales and to make vulnerable groups and individuals know who to contact for help.

“Knowledge gives people confidence that their disputes can be resolved,” he said.

The seminar is free, however bookings are essential.

To make a booking contact Ms Cheryl Webster at Anglicare Migrant and Refugee Services on 9895 8064 or cwebster@Anglicare.org.au or Neneth Costa at NSW Fair Trading on 9619 8705 or neneth.costa@services.nsw.gov.au.

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