A recent fair trading compliance and education program in Singleton, New South Wales detected 38 breaches of legislation at 18 automotive traders, resulting in 16 penalty notices totalling $5280.
Of these, 14 breaches of motor dealers legislation were found, and 24 breaches of motor vehicle repairers legislation.
Breaches included: falsely stating or representing the year of manufacture of a vehicle; offering vehicles for sale without the correct notice; operating a business of a repairer without a licence and failing to display signage as prescribed.
Rod Stowe, NSW fair trading commissioner, says many motor vehicle businesses still need to improve their understanding of fair trading laws.
As part of the Singleton visit, Fair Trading staff conducted nine information sessions attended by 281 participants including: private landlords, real estate agents, members of incorporated associations, motor dealers, motor vehicle repairers, seniors, high school students, community workers, local council staff and members of the local Aboriginal community.
Officers also conducted trader education visits to twenty retailers in the Singleton area, providing information on the Australian Consumer Laws and other Fair Trading legislation.
Stowe says the visit – which was part of Fair Trading’s ‘My Place’ program – provided an opportunity to connect Fair Trading’s education and compliance activities with the local community and strengthen its relationship with local business.
The ‘My Place’ program provides an opportunity to inform local residents and traders about their rights and responsibilities in the marketplace, assess compliance with Fair Trading laws and showcase the services offered by NSW Fair Trading.
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