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ARA applauds NSW Govt Graffiti Control Bill - retailers will comply with new spray paint display laws

Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the Hardware Association of New South Wales (HANSW) have applauded the decision to back away from plans to ban the sale of spray paint after the new Graffiti Control Bill was passed in NSW Parliament late last month.

ARA Executive Director Richard Evans said the ARA and HANSW would now work with retailers to help them understand their obligations in helping to control vandals and graffiti.

 "Under the new legislation, on-the-spot fines will be issued to retailers who sell spray paint cans to people aged under 18, or who fail to properly secure their spray paint can displays. A spray paint can is only properly secured if it's locked in a cabinet or behind a counter so members of the public are not able to gain access to the can without the assistance retailer or employee," Evans said.

HANSW Executive Director Yvonne Anderson said retailers supported the NSW Government's strong stance on tackling this costly crime and would willingly comply with their obligations under the Graffiti Control Bill.

"The ARA is ready to work with the NSW Government to ensure any retailers selling spray paint cans are educated about their responsibilities.

"While the Government liaises with the paint manufacturing industry to develop spray paint cans harder for graffiti vandals to misuse, the ARA will do their part by providing fact sheets and information available for download on the dedicated graffiti page of the new HANSW website www.hansw.com.au," Anderson said.

The Graffiti Control Bill also makes it illegal for people to possess items such as maker pens or etching tools with the intention to damage or deface property. Graffiti vandals would face six months' jail or $2,200 fines for defacing premises, and three months' jail or $1,100 fines for possessing instruments intended for graffiti damage.

The retail hardware industry set up a fighting fund for the ARA to work closely with the HANSW and its members to vigorously challenge the Government's consideration of a total ban of the sale of aerosol paint over the past two years. A full copy of the ARA and HANSW submission can be viewed at www.retail.org.au/index.php/policy/government_submissions

For over 104 years, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body in Australia's $292 billion retail sector which employs over 1.2 million people. As an incorporated employer body under the Workplace Relations Act and with a range of member services including business consulting, policy development, advocacy and education, the ARA promotes and protects over 5000 independent and national retailers throughout Australia. Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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