Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge has applauded NSW Fair Trading’s management of $858 million worth disputes in the past year, with 89 percent of cases successfully resolved.

“This is an outstanding result and a credit to the staff who deal in this difficult area of mediation and negotiation,” she said.

“This meant that the majority of parties were spared the cost of tribunal or court proceedings.”

Ms Judge today officially launched the statewide program of events for 2010 Fair Trading Week to be held from 15–19 November.

Fair Trading Week is the biggest event in the agency’s calendar and highlights the many ways Fair Trading works in the community.

NSW Fair Trading’s role is to safeguard consumer rights, regulate specific industries and occupations and advise traders on fair and ethical practices.

“More than 100 activities have been organised in metropolitan and regional centres across the State, ranging from open days, award presentations, information sessions, trader visits and displays in shopping centres,” Ms Judge said.

NSW Fair Trading has 24 local offices and 68 other locations across regional NSW where selected services are available.

There were nearly 1.2 million phone enquiries and 220,000 counter enquiries in 2009/10.

Fair Trading handled 40,188 consumer and trader complaints, visited 15,435 businesses, conducted 1,969 investigations and a record 42,786 people attended educational seminars.

Nearly 1,000 penalty notices were issued and 91 people were prosecuted for breaches of fair trading laws.

“These figures show the real difference Fair Trading is making in our community,” Ms Judge said.

“It is no surprise then that “Making a Difference” is the theme of this year’s Fair Trading Week.

“Everyone is a consumer and chances are that at some point you or someone you know has used Fair Trading’s services.”

More information about Fair Trading Week 2010

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