24 June 2008

Parliament today passed amendments to the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT) Act to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the CTTT.

The CTTT Act amendments are the result of a review of the CTTT's legislation.  The review recommended a number of changes to the Act to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the CTTT.

A number of recommendations from the 2006 operational review of the CTTT were also included in the reform Bill to improve the CTTT's capacity to deal effectively with disputes.

The amendments include:

• Tribunal Members qualificiations to include ability or experience in alternative dispute resolution
• Time limit of 12 months for proceedings to be recommenced if an order is not complied with
• Time period for production of written reasons for decision increased to 28 days
• Removal of $25,000 upper limit for rehearing applications (limit to be set by regulations)
• Second rehearing applications allowed in limited circumstances
• Sound recording of CTTT hearings where possible
• New Social Housing Division for disputes between social housnig landlords and tenants
• Establishment of Professional Practice and Review Committee for Tribunal Member performance management and complaints handling.

Other miscellaneous reforms will streamline the CTTT's administrative procedures.  This will allow it to provide better and faster services to the parties in dispute, especially where they have been able to reach an agreement before their hearing.

The amendments will come into effect later in 2008.

View details about the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal Amendment Bill 2008 on the NSW Parliament website.

Read the NSW Fair Trading Minister's media release about the amendments.