NSW Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts today said the four-day visit last month to the Southern Highlands by Fair Trading officers had been a great success, with many consumers and business owners taking the opportunity to learn more about their rights and responsibilities.

“The visit showcased services offered by Fair Trading and featured compliance checks on 47 local businesses,” he said.

Releasing results from the visit, Mr Roberts said 321 people attended 10 information sessions and 40 businesses were visited to educate traders about the new Australian Consumer Law.

“Fair Trading checks on 47 businesses in Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale will ensure greater compliance with and understanding of relevant consumer protection laws,” he said.

“While there were no serious breaches, Fair Trading officers issued 31 inspection reports for a range of discrepancies, including poor record keeping and not displaying business certificates.

“There were 13 breaches by motor dealers, six by motor vehicle repairers, four by travel agents and eight businesses were in breach of business names requirements.”

Mr Roberts said while the breaches detected did not warrant the issue of penalty notices, if any outstanding matters were detected when re-inspection occurs, enforcement action may be taken.

Member for Goulburn, Pru Goward, said she was pleased to see that many in the local community took advantage of the visit to learn more about Fair Trading’s services.

“Local businesses survive and thrive on the goodwill of their customers, so they would have appreciated the advice and assistance given throughout the week,” she said.

“The Fair Trading information stand set up in the Highlands Marketplace was also popular, attracting more than 60 enquiries.

“Thirty students from Bowral High School received important messages about managing their finances.”

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