Fair Trading Deputy Commissioner Steve Griffin today urged NSW consumers and the fitness industry to have their say on the draft Fitness Services (Pre-paid Fees) Regulation 2011.

The Fitness Services Act and Regulation commenced in 2001 to limit the risk to consumers of losing up-front fees paid for long term memberships.

Mr Griffin said the Fitness Services Act prohibits fitness suppliers from accepting more than 12 months’ payment in advance of the service being provided and the draft Regulation released today supports the Act.

“Input during the consultation period will help inform the Government of the impacts and current issues facing the fitness industry, what the real risks are to consumers and how best to address them,” he said.

“Fair Trading will consult widely with key stakeholders on industry practices and developments, as well as the impact the new Australian Consumer Law has had on the protections available to consumers.

“All interested members of the public and industry will have to the end of July to submit their comments.”

Mr Griffin urged consumers and industry to make the most of this opportunity and have their say on the draft regulation.

“Fair Trading wants to ensure consumers continue to receive the protections they need and industry continues to strive for best practice,” he said.

Comments on the draft regulation can be lodged with Fair Trading up until close of business 29 July.

A copy of the proposed regulation can be downloaded from the Comment on proposed legislation page on the NSW Fair Trading website.

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