Labor Calls For Free Hunter Asbestos Testing To Be Extended

BY HOLLIE HUGHES

With only five days left to register, the state opposition is calling on the New South Wales government to extend the deadline Hunter residents have to sign-up for free home asbestos testing.

The scheme was rolled out earlier this month in response to the discovery of the dangerous loose-fill product at a home in Glendale.

Residents of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland and Port Stephens who live in homes built prior to 1980 are eligible to register for the free test currently closing on July 31.

Swansea MP Yasmin Catley says the registration time frame must be extended to enable as many Hunter home owners to register as possible.

"The main goal here is to find out whether there are any more homes in the Hunter with loose-filled asbestos," she said.

"Hunter residents were only made aware of the potential presence of this dangerous product a few weeks ago and since then we have had the July school holidays where many residents have gone away."

Additionally, Ms Catley fears there are more homes within the Hunter which may be contaminated with the deadly substance.

"We are talking about people's lives here, there could be many more homes throughout New South Wales which have Mr Fluffy products in them."

"People need to the have the confidence that there own home is safe."

For more information on the program or to register for the free test, residents should visit the New South Wales Fair Trading or The City of Newcastle Council websites.

 

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Dodgy Hunter Builder Up To His Old Tricks

BY IAN CROUCH

We're being warned to steer clear of a dodgy Hunter builder who's getting up to his old tricks again after a stint behind bars.

Peter Todd Hynes of Hamilton South first came to the attention of Fair Trading in 2003 after dozens of complaints were received about unsatisfactory building work.

The 48-year-old, who's also known as Peter or Todd Garay, operates Captain Trade Group Pty Ltd.

Hynes was convicted in 2015 and ordered to pay $20,000 in fines and costs for unlicensed building work and failing to deliver goods and services .

Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, Matt Kean has issued a fresh warning to consumers, after Hynes was reported to be operating again.

"Hynes has never held a contractor licence, so I'm frustrated to hear that he is up to his old tricks again," Mr Kean said.

Typically, Hynes takes a large cash deposit and then abandons the work, leaving consumers high and dry.