Nominations for 2013 Consumer Protection Awards now open

Nominations for the Consumer Protection Awards 2013 have opened with Commerce Minister Simon O’Brien calling on the Western Australian community to nominate consumer advocates.

O’Brien said it was important to recognise and reward those in the community who promoted consumer rights, provided assistance and educational programs, and raised awareness of consumer issues, including child safety.

“There are numerous people and organisations in our community working tirelessly in the area of consumer education and protection, so this is their opportunity to have that hard work acknowledged,” he said.

The 2013 awards have four categories:

• The Rona Okely Award - acknowledges an individual who has influenced and inspired the advancement, development and promotion of consumer protection in their community.
• The Richard (Dick) Fletcher Award - acknowledges a local government, non-government organisation or group of individuals operating in WA which has, through their particular field of endeavour, made a significant contribution to the advancement of consumer protection.
• The Kidsafe WA Award - acknowledges those who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of injury prevention for children.
• The Media Award - acknowledges an individual journalist or news media outlet which has made a recent and significant contribution to the advancement of consumer protection.

“The awards provide a fantastic opportunity for individuals, community organisations, local governments, businesses and media outlets to have their outstanding achievements rewarded, so I urge those working in this area to submit a nomination before the deadline,” the Minister said.

For more information on the awards and how to nominate, visit the website. The award nominations will close 30 November 2012 and winners will be announced in March 2013.