On 3 September 2010, NSW Fair Trading commenced responsibility for the regulation of all gas connections and installations in NSW, including autogas.

Following a review of the regulation of the gas industry in NSW, a new Gas Supply Act has been developed. The new legislation is designed to minimise the risk of harm from gas installations and simplify the laws and regulations.

The reforms will reduce red tape and provide greater levels of consistency and accountability in the gas industry. For consumers looking to purchase or install gas and gas appliances, the new legislation will provide improved consumer protection through a stronger regulatory framwork. The changes will also minimise any potential compliance gaps under the current framework by enhancing the enforcement of safety standards for gas fitting, appliances and autogas.

The reforms were announced by the Minister for Regulatory Reform on 21 July 2009. The announcement drew strong public support from members of the LPG and autogas industries.

NSW Fair Trading will be responsible for ensuring that gasfitters and autogas mechanics undertake their work in accordance with Australian Standards. Fair Trading will also be responsible for ensuring all household appliances connected to a gas installation and portable gas appliances, such as barbeques, are compliant with safety standards.

Important

Under the previous legislation only gas appliances that were connected to a gas installation where captured by the legislation. With the introduction of the new Act, all gas appliances must be certified and this includes portable appliances such as barbeques and heaters.

Fair Trading will continue to licence gasfitters in NSW under the Home Building Act 1989.