NSW dealer reforms welcomed by MTA

The Motor Traders’ Association of NSW has backed the new reforms announced by NSW Fair Trading minister, Matthew Mason-Cox.

Mason-Cox says odometer readings are one of the major factors consumers look at when buying a used car. In addition, a new public ‘name and shame’ register will also be established to allow consumers to check if a dealer or repairer has a current licence, and whether they have had disciplinary action or offences recorded against them.

Consumers will be able to make more informed decisions about who to do business with, and the threat of public shaming will give traders stronger incentives to comply with the law.

The new changes form part of a comprehensive package of reforms, due to start on December 1, 2014, with the start of the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act.

Greg Patten CEO of the Motor Traders’ Association of NSW (MTA NSW) welcomed the minister for Fair Trading Matthew Mason-Cox for introducing these much-needed changes.

Patten comments: “After much consultation and meetings by the members of MTA NSW with the Office of Fair Trading, I and my fellow association members are pleased to see our recommendations have been listened to and finally addressed.”

The MTA welcomed the decision to bring in the ‘name and shame’ register and notes: “it can only be good for both small business within the automotive sector and consumers to be able to research and see who to do business with and who to avoid.

“Under these new laws, legitimate hard working small business operators who perform quality work for a fair rate can be rewarded.

“Further to this, NSW Fair Trading inspectors will have the ability to issue orders to licensed dealers and repairers to fix faults without a consumer having to take legal action. Another win for consumers,” the MTA adds.