NSW consumers will benefit from the new Fair Trading reforms, which will deliver consumer guarantee. 

The Fair Trading Legislation Amendment (Consumer Guarantee Directions) Bill has been introduced into Parliament this week, and will take effect from 1 January 2019 once it is passed. 

“These proposed reforms will give the NSW Fair Trading Commissioner the power to direct a business to repair, replace or refund a good,” Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said. 

“This means fair, quick and cheap resolutions for consumers and businesses, and will be an alternative to the often costly process of courts and tribunals,” Mr Kean said. 

According to the 2016 Australian Consumer Survey, 76 per cent of consumers previously reported a problem within the first six months of purchasing a good. 

Consumers will not have to make a case to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal and go through a long process, but seek assistance from the NSW Fair Trading Commission for the trader to repair, replace or refund the good. 

It will also give the people a clearer understanding of their rights as consumers. 

“This is about enhancing Fair Trading’s existing powers to get the very best outcome for consumers across NSW, and give businesses certainty around their obligations under Australian Consumer Law,” Mr Kean said. 

The Fair Trading’s new powers will be applied to goods worth between $25 to $3,000.