NSW will again have a Fair Trading Commissioner after the state’s new Minister, Anthony Roberts today announced he would reunite an agency that NSW Labor had divided and diminished.

The Minister said recruitment ads would run today (Friday) for a new NSW Fair Trading Commissioner.

“I will restore the position of Fair Trading Commissioner and make this position fully responsible for all Fair Trading functions,” he said.

“This will provide a clear public focus for consumer protection in NSW and strong leadership to a reunified agency capable of addressing the contemporary needs of the NSW marketplace.

“It was an act of incalculable incompetence by Labor to abolish the position of Commissioner in 2009.

“It caused fractures in the agency, taking important functions out of Fair Trading and fragmenting them across one of Labor’s super departments.

“It hasn’t worked; it has created silos and impeded effective coordination of the consumer protection effort.

“I have already set about sorting out the situation and will continue to move quickly in reuniting what is a critical agency for consumers, business, industry and this government.”

Mr Roberts said the revolving door of 10 Labor Ministers had taken its toll.

“Under Labor, consumer protection and effective regulatory reform had stagnated to a point that consumer affairs and fair trading did not even rate a mention in the State Plan,” he said.

Mr Roberts said he would revitalise consumer protection in NSW.

“Consumer confidence and ethical business practice are integral to achieving a vibrant and expanding NSW economy,” he said.

“On my watch, the people of NSW can expect a return to vigilance and vision.

“I have already told Fair Trading staff I want them re-energised and out doing fast, effective consumer warnings, meaningful education and awareness programs and prosecuting with vigour and in the knowledge that they have my full support.”

Back to Media releases