Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts is urging consumers and business owners in Port Macquarie to learn more about their rights and responsibilities during next week’s Regional Access Program.

Mr Roberts said staff would be carrying out compliance activities, business inspections and promoting consumer services in the area from Monday 9 to Thursday 12 May as part of Fair Trading’s regional outreach program.

“These programs are the face of Fair Trading’s community education campaign,” he said.

“Run on a regular basis around the State, they bring Fair Trading staff and services into the community, so consumers and traders know who they can turn to for advice or support.”

Mr Roberts said Fair Trading inspectors will be carrying out a range of activities, including checking licensing and business name compliance at motor dealers, motor vehicle repairers, travel agents, pawn brokers, real estate agents and home building sites.

“Compliance checks benefit local consumers, lead to better business practices and promote a strong working relationship between Fair Trading and traders,” he said.

“Local businesses and tradespeople will also benefit from attending free information sessions that focus on their areas of operation including real estate, home building and motor vehicle.”

Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams encouraged residents to learn more about the new residential tenancies laws that commenced on 31 January this year.

“There will be an information stand at the Port Central Shopping Centre, 40-42 Horton Street, on Wednesday 11 May from 9am-5pm,” she said.

Mrs Williams said education is a vital part of the program and Fair Trading staff will be visiting local retailers and businesses delivering publications on Fair Trading services.

“Staff will also deliver the Seniors Guide to the Port Macquarie Meals on Wheels and the Senior Citizens Centre and product safety information to child care centres,” she said.

“With so many ways to learn more about the services and support offered by NSW Fair Trading, I encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity.”

The following information sessions are free and open to the public:

STRATA SEMINAR: 9 May 5.30-7.30pm, The Westport Club – Hastings Room, Buller Street

INCORPORATED ASSOCIATIONS SEMINAR: 10 May 10am-12pm, The Westport Club – River Room, Buller Street

REAL ESTATE CPD SEMINAR: 10 May 1-4pm, The Westport Club – River Room, Buller Street

PRIVATE LANDLORDS SEMINAR: 10 May 5.30-7.30pm, Port Macquarie Panthers – Rushcutters Room, 1 Bay Street

RETAIL TENANCY CPD SEMINAR: 10 May 6-7.30pm, Port Macquarie Panthers – Renaissance Room, 1 Bay Street

SUPPORT SERVICE SEMINAR (TENANCY & ACL): 11 May, 10am-12pm, The Westport Club – River Room, Buller Street

CONSUMER RIGHTS SEMINAR: 11 May 11am-12pm, Port Macquarie Panthers – Rushcutters Room, 1 Bay Street

MOTOR DEALERS SEMINAR: 11 May 5.30-6.30pm, The Westport Club – River Room, Buller Street

MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIRERS SEMINAR: 11 May 6.30-7.30pm, The Westport Club – River Room, Buller Street

HOME BUILDING CPD SEMINAR: 12 May 5.00-8.00pm, The Westport Club – River Room, Buller Street.

To make a booking for one of these sessions please call the Port Macquarie Fair Trading Centre on 5525 3400.

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