Fair Trading Deputy Commissioner Steve Griffin today said the results of a regional access program by NSW Fair Trading in Australia’s Cherry Capital showed the vast majority of traders were complying with consumer protection laws.

Mr Griffin said Fair Trading conducted a week long education and compliance campaign during August visiting Young, Cootamundra, Binalong and Temora.

“Fair Trading officers visited 79 businesses and carried out a range of compliance inspections,” he said.

“The results are very reassuring for consumers using the services of home building tradespeople in the region because all traders visited were compliant with licensing requirements.”  

In other areas, only a small number of traders were found in breach of the regulations.

Four motor dealers were disciplined for minor breaches relating to licensing requirements and record keeping:

• In Young, one motor dealer was issued with a rectification notice. 
• In Cootamundra, three motor dealers were issued with a rectification notice each.

Eighteen motor vehicle repairers from Young were disciplined for minor breaches relating to licensing requirements and record keeping.

Fair Trading will re-inspect a number of the businesses where breaches were detected to ensure errors have been fixed.

Mr Griffin said the other key focus of the visit, educating the public and local businesses, had been a great success.

“Fair Trading delivered ten information sessions attended by 277 participants, targeting incorporated associations, licensed builders, motor dealers and repairers, community workers, seniors and high school students,” he said.

“Fair Trading staff also visited 35 businesses providing information on lay-bys, refunds, complaint handling and feedback, as well as other matters relating to Fair Trading legislation.”

There was an information stand at Young Shopping Centre and a visit to the Young Library to further publicise Fair Trading services.

Fair Trading staff distributed Seniors Guides to retirement village residents and Young Meals on Wheels, as well as product safety brochures to local play groups and day care centres.

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