Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean believes he can slash the number of unresolved complaints from the current 5000 a year. A further 50,000 dubbed consumers aren't even bringing their problems to Fair Trading, he says, so he wants to make it worth their while to do so.
In his first expansive interview since being appointed three months ago, the state MP for Hornsby says he wants to be a champion of the little guy.
A push back against underquoting of property prices is in train, with tougher penalties for the practice recently coming into force in Victoria and a strengthening of the laws under consideration in NSW.
NSW Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean said the evidence suggested the new laws may be effective, but said it was timely to review them.
Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean MP visited residents in Holbrook to announce an additional $370,000 in funding for properties effected by loose-fill asbestos.
Owners will be able to apply for $10,000 additional funding for each property.
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Holbrook residents will receive an extra $370,000 of funding to help remediate homes affected by loose-fill asbestos.
The NSW Government and Greater Hume Shire Council will contribute $222,000 to homeowners participating in the voluntary purchase and demolition program.
In addition, the NSW Government has announced an extra $4,000 per household – for all NSW residents currently taking part in the $278 million state-wide program – to buy new furniture for their homes. Previously, residents could access $1,000 to replace soft furnishings.
Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean has welcomed a District Court decision to fine a window glass company $1 million – the highest ever fine imposed in NSW under the Work Health and Safety Act.
The decision relates to an incident on 19 June 2014, in which a contractor of WGA Pty Ltd sustained an electric shock while working on a window ledge at a residential-apartment construction site in South Hurstville.
Tougher penalties are being considered for Real Estate Agents who underquote to prospective buyers. Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation says underquoting by Real Estate Agents is illegal in NSW and can cause buyers to spends thousands more on property.
Former Property Manager Mark Kolodynski has been jailed for 18-months for stealing $370,000 from trust accounts of two real estate agents. An investigation by NSW Department of Fair Trading found the trail of money led to his personal TAB account. "If you choose to do the wrong thing, Fair Trading will come after you, and you will be prosecuted," said the NSW Better Regulation Minister Matt Kean. "This results reflects the hard work of Fair Trading's investigators."
Former property manager Mark Anthony Kolodynski has been sentenced to 18-months in jail with a 12-month non-parole period for stealing more than $370,000 from real estate trust accounts.
Mr Kolodynski, of Panania, pleaded guilty in Parramatta Court to taking the funds during his employment as a strata manager and rental property manager.
Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean said this is a timely warning to anyone thinking about stealing other people’s hard-earned money.
Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean announces free quad bike training for farmers. This boost to the safety improvement program aims to reduce the deaths on rural properties in NSW.
Farmers will now receive free quad bike training in a major boost to the safety improvement program aimed at significantly reducing the number of deaths on rural properties across NSW.
Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean said farmers who complete an approved training course would also receive a free helmet – worth around $120 - suitable for use while they are riding their quad bikes. The changes announced today represent a further saving to farmers of up to $230.
After being elected as Member for Hornsby in March 2011, I have embarked on many initiatives that the community and I see as pivotal issues for Hornsby. I see and understand the needs of the community and am proud to play my part.
