Minister for innovation and better regulation

MORTGAGE brokers would be banned from receiving monthly commissions from banks which can go on for ­decades and earn them thousands of dollars, under a shake-up of state consumer laws.

These so-called trailing commissions, paid for signing up a client to a home loan, would also be stamped out in the insurance industry as the state government tackles financial incentives paid to third parties.

The proposed laws would also force businesses like travel agents, accountants and product comparison websites to disclose ­financial incentives for recommending a product or service.

PEOPLE are being warned not to fall prey to botched beauty treatments as part of a hard-hitting new advertising blitz.

The confronting campaign — under the slogan “Thinking of a makeover? Think it over!” — comes amid heightened concerns over the large number of shoddy procedures that have resulted in disfigurements and even deaths.

A Rydalmere company and its director have been fined $67,500 after a worker’s hand was crushed while cleaning machinery.

Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said Zenger (Aust) Pty Ltd was fined $60,000 and its director Yan Huai Wu $7,500 in the Sydney District Court for failing to ensure the health and safety of their workers. 

“There is no excuse for this type of negligence. Businesses must have the right safety systems in place to protect their workers,” Mr Kean said.

A company in Sydney's northwest and its director have been fined after a worker's hand was crushed while cleaning machinery.

Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean told 2SM they have failed to ensure the health and safety of workers.

Grieving families are increasingly being taken advantage of when planning a funeral, with the number of complaints to NSW Fair Trading jumping to record levels.

It prompted a warning from Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean, who said consumers should know their rights when choosing a funeral package, to avoid dodgy operators who don’t properly disclose fees and charges.

“Losing a loved one is a heartbreaking and stressful experience. It’s possibly one of the hardest challenges a person can face,” Mr Kean said.

Complaints about funeral planning services are at unprecedented levels, NSW Fair Trading numbers suggest.

NSW Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean has warned grieving families to avoid dodgy operators who don't properly disclose fees and charges, reminding people that the companies must provide an itemised quote of the goods and services to be provided.

Fair Trading received 175 complaints about funeral services between January 2013 and July 2018, with 2017 recording the highest amount so far with 37 complaints.

Mobile phone and electronics retailers have been given a big thumbs down from consumers, claiming the top four spots on the latest NSW Fair Trading Complaints Register.

Samsung Electronics topped the list with 42 complaints, while Kogan (35 complaints), Apple (33), and Android Enjoyed (26), rounded out the top four. 

Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said the register helps consumers get the best bang for their buck by giving them the information they need to make more informed choices on where to spend their hard-earned cash.

An unlicensed motor dealer has been sentenced to three years jail, with a twenty-month non-parole period, for trading without a motor dealers licence and withholding the proceeds of luxury motor vehicles sold through his company.

Mathew David Hale, was sentenced yesterday in the Downing Centre Local Court after pleading guilty to twelve counts of fraud, three counts of larceny, and one count of trading without a motor vehicle traders licence.