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Minister Announces $645,000 Funding for Home Building Advocacy Service

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NSW Fair Trading Minister, Virginia Judge has announced the Rees Government will provide $645,000 funding over three years to the Macquarie Legal Centre Inc. to operate a Home Building Advocacy Service (HoBAS) for consumers.

Ms Judge said Macquarie Legal Centre had successfully executed a pilot program since 1 January 2007. “For hardworking NSW families, realising the dream of owning their own home is the largest investment they will ever make,” Ms Judge said.

“It’s not just a matter of finance and bricks and mortar; it’s an emotional investment as well. Disputes can cause a great deal of emotional and financial stress. “In some cases, consumers are not equipped or do not have the financial capacity to prepare or present their case in a Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal hearing.

“The Home Building Advocacy Service provides another level of support for NSW consumers involved in home building,” Ms Judge said.

The service complements the free dispute resolution service offered by the Office of Fair Trading with practical and commonsense advice, particularly with regards to contractual and legal issues associated with building disputes. Ms Judge said HoBAS staff would offer legal advice, advocate for and represent consumers at Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT) proceedings and help resolve disputes by negotiating with legal representatives from the other party.

“Since the pilot commenced in January last year, HoBAS has dealt with 448 matters requiring face to face or telephone advice and has been involved in 56 cases,” she said.
“A Client Satisfaction Survey conducted by the Macquarie Legal Centre showed a high approval rating from clients for the pilot service.

“HoBAS also reported the resolution of many matters before they had to progress to the CTTT.”

The HoBAS three year service commenced on 1 November 2008. For more information contact: Kimberley Ramplin 0429 397 377