Home Loans Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

NSW Takes Decisive Steps Against Unlawful Merchant Fee Practices

NSW Takes Decisive Steps Against Unlawful Merchant Fee Practices

NSW Takes Decisive Steps Against Unlawful Merchant Fee Practices?w=400
The New South Wales (NSW) Government is taking robust measures to rectify years of unlawful merchant fee surcharges on customer transactions.
Despite ongoing legal concerns, these fees persisted for nearly a decade, a legacy of policy directives laid out by the former Liberal-National government.

During a review of the 2023-24 financial statements, the NSW Auditor-General highlighted the issue of unauthorized fee surcharges. The revelations were surprising, bringing the matter forcefully to the notice of the current administration.

For years, legal advice from the Crown Solicitor's Office, beginning in February 2016 through December 2022, consistently warned against the unlawful imposition of merchant fees by Service NSW. Despite such advice, over 92 million transactions incurred charges close to a whopping $144 million. The surcharges, conceptualized as cost recovery for transaction fees by payment providers, were initially sanctioned by NSW Treasury in 2012.

The spotlight is on mini transactions such as 30 cents for a driver's licence renewal, 29 cents for a marriage certificate, and a $1.92 fee to renew a small car registration. These seemingly small fees added up, creating a significant financial burden on the public.

With this information now public, the current government, led by the Minns Labor administration, has moved swiftly, creating a dedicated incident management taskforce to stem these unauthorized charges and to mitigate future occurrences.

Notably, customers affected by these charges are urged to register for updates regarding the government's corrective measures through Service NSW channels either online at the official website or via their service hotline.

The Ministers for Customer Service, Digital Government, and Finance, have sought an independent inquiry by requesting the NSW Ombudsman to investigate potential maladministration. The department's Secretary has also escalated the case to the Ombudsman and the Independent Commission Against Corruption, highlighting concerns over ignored legal advice.

A proactive approach by the new taskforce has successfully shut down over 80% of unlawful surcharges in Service NSW transactions and more than 90% of online payments. For now, all other remaining transaction fees, including those from in-person credit card terminals, are being rapidly phased out. To accommodate citizens, Service Centres are offering surcharge-free payment alternatives, such as cash payments.

Amid ongoing remedial undertakings, the NSW government has instructed all departments to audit their merchant fee practices by the end of November to ascertain legal oversight and compliance, echoing Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos’s comments: “Families, households, and businesses expect governments to act within the confines of the law.”

Minister Jihad Dib also emphasized the urgency, stating: “Our priority has been to halt these charges swiftly.” He underscored the ethical need for transparency regarding the past continuation of these fees despite the legal advisories.

 

Published:Monday, 4th Nov 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

Overheads on Enhanced Vetting Could Ratchet Up Wholesale Fund Costs Overheads on Enhanced Vetting Could Ratchet Up Wholesale Fund Costs
07 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori

The prospect of intensified scrutiny in confirming wholesale investor status could potentially tip the balance of competitiveness away from wholesale funds. According to recent commentary from the Financial Services Council (FSC), implementing added verification processes might impact these funds' ability to compete effectively. - read more
RBA Chief Under Fire: Decision on Rate Cuts in the Spotlight RBA Chief Under Fire: Decision on Rate Cuts in the Spotlight
07 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Michele Bullock is set to face intense scrutiny over the central bank's conservative approach to cutting interest rates, as apprehensions about inflation persist in Australia. During a regular parliamentary session, Bullock’s policies will draw pointed questions from lawmakers. - read more
The Dwindling Australian Dream: Home Ownership Beyond Reach? The Dwindling Australian Dream: Home Ownership Beyond Reach?
06 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori

Recent insights from PropTrack have painted a bleak picture of Australian housing affordability, reaching unprecedented lows. In a market where a typical household makes just over $112,000 annually, a mere 14% of homes sold are within their budget. This dwindling accessibility starkly highlights the challenges for would-be homeowners today. - read more
CFS Launches New Advisory Initiative with Viridian CFS Launches New Advisory Initiative with Viridian
05 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori

Colonial First State (CFS) is reshaping personal finance support by engaging with Viridian Advisory. This initiative aims to aid FirstChoice superannuation, pension, and investment members seeking guidance without ongoing financial advisement. The collaboration brings a novel approach to receive one-time, topic-focused advice tailored to individual needs. - read more
NSW Takes Decisive Steps Against Unlawful Merchant Fee Practices NSW Takes Decisive Steps Against Unlawful Merchant Fee Practices
04 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori

The New South Wales (NSW) Government is taking robust measures to rectify years of unlawful merchant fee surcharges on customer transactions. Despite ongoing legal concerns, these fees persisted for nearly a decade, a legacy of policy directives laid out by the former Liberal-National government. - read more


Home Loans Articles

Understanding Loan Calculators: A Guide For Australian Homebuyers Understanding Loan Calculators: A Guide For Australian Homebuyers
Welcome to this essential guide designed for Australian homebuyers who aspire to navigate the complex world of property financing. Due to the significant financial commitment involved in purchasing a home, understanding the nuances of mortgage calculations is imperative. Loan calculators are indispensable tools that offer valuable insights into the feasibility of a home loan, tailored to your personal economic circumstances. - read more
Planning for a Better Future: Exploring Refinancing Options for Aussie Homeowners Planning for a Better Future: Exploring Refinancing Options for Aussie Homeowners
As a homeowner in Australia, it is essential to stay informed about the current mortgage interest rate and inflation situation. This knowledge is crucial for effective financial planning and making informed decisions regarding your home loan. Understanding the impact of rising interest rates on Australian homeowners is particularly important. - read more
Simple Steps to Boost Your Home Deposit Savings Simple Steps to Boost Your Home Deposit Savings
Welcome to our guide on simple steps to boost your home deposit savings! We’re thrilled to have you here as you embark on the exciting journey towards home ownership. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to upsize, saving for a home deposit is a crucial step. - read more
Unlocking the Hidden Value of Your Mortgage Offset Account Unlocking the Hidden Value of Your Mortgage Offset Account
A mortgage offset account is a financial product that allows homeowners to use their savings to reduce the interest charged on their mortgage. It is a transaction account linked to your mortgage, and the balance in this account is offset against your outstanding mortgage balance when calculating interest charges. - read more
Avoiding Common Pitfalls: How to Streamline Your Home Loan Pre-approval Avoiding Common Pitfalls: How to Streamline Your Home Loan Pre-approval
Stepping into the realm of homeownership begins with a critical financial milestone: securing home loan pre-approval. This inaugural step paves the way for homebuyers to gain a clear understanding of their borrowing capacity, directly influencing their purchasing decisions. In Australia, where the real estate market teems with competitive energy, effective navigation through the pre-approval process offers a competitive edge. - read more
Interest Rates and Investment Properties: What Aussie Investors Need to Know Interest Rates and Investment Properties: What Aussie Investors Need to Know
For potential and seasoned investors alike, the Australian property landscape offers a plethora of opportunities. Investment properties have long been a favored asset class in Australia due to the potential for capital growth and rental yield. However, diving into the property market without a solid understanding of the financial mechanics, specifically interest rates, can be akin to sailing without a compass. - read more
How to Leverage the First Home Owner Grant in Your Home Buying Journey How to Leverage the First Home Owner Grant in Your Home Buying Journey
Welcome to the pathway of becoming a homeowner in Australia! If you're a first-time buyer, there's a good chance you've heard of something called the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG). It's a pivotal element in the home buying conversation, and for good reason. Navigating through real estate jargon and financial assistance programs can be confusing, but understanding the FHOG can significantly impact your purchasing power and overall experience in acquiring your dream home. - read more
The Insider’s Guide to Reducing Mortgage Stress and Staying on Track The Insider’s Guide to Reducing Mortgage Stress and Staying on Track
Mortgage stress is a common concern among homeowners worldwide, with the potential to cause significant financial and emotional strain. It often occurs when mortgage repayments consume a large portion of your income, leaving little room for other expenses and causing anxiety over financial security. The impact of not managing this stress can be far-reaching, affecting not only one's financial health but also overall wellbeing. - read more
Avoiding Common Pitfalls: How to Streamline Your Home Loan Pre-approval Avoiding Common Pitfalls: How to Streamline Your Home Loan Pre-approval
Stepping into the realm of homeownership begins with a critical financial milestone: securing home loan pre-approval. This inaugural step paves the way for homebuyers to gain a clear understanding of their borrowing capacity, directly influencing their purchasing decisions. In Australia, where the real estate market teems with competitive energy, effective navigation through the pre-approval process offers a competitive edge. - read more
Exploring Different Refinancing Strategies to Ease Your Mortgage Stress Exploring Different Refinancing Strategies to Ease Your Mortgage Stress
When it comes to managing finances, one of the biggest stressors for homeowners is their mortgage. In Australia, many individuals and families struggle with mortgage stress, which can have a significant impact on their overall financial well-being. - read more


Need Help Finding a Home Loan?
Get your free home loan eligibility assessment and compare offers tailored specifically to your circumstances.
Loan Amount:
Postcode:
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Default:
The failure to repay a debt, including interest or principal, on a loan or security.