Nominations open for WA Consumer Protection Awards 2009

 Nominations are invited in the quest for this year’s consumer protection champions.  

Consumer Protection Commissioner Anne Driscoll said many people and organisations give selflessly of their time and effort in promoting consumer protection principles for the benefit of the community.

The annual awards acknowledge and reward individuals, non-government organisations and businesses that have improved product safety for children, helped individuals manage credit and debt, addressed tenancy issues, helped expose frauds and scams, or promoted consumer protection values in the community.

Commissioner Driscoll encouraged people to nominate those who have made a difference to consumers.

“There are many ways individuals and groups make important contributions to promoting consumer protection values and consumers’ rights,” she said.

“They may be supporting vulnerable consumers or raising awareness about consumer rights. Others may be involved in education, research, policy development or improving safety for children.

“Previous winners have acknowledged the benefit of receiving the awards in raising the profile of their work, as well as recognising the people who are protecting consumers.  

At the 2008 Awards, Graeme and Sharynn McCormack, of Lee-Beau Creations, became the first winners of the new Kidsafe WA category for their heat-resistant Oven Guard.

The McCormack’s young child sustained severe burns after touching a hot urn during a dinner party at home.

They discovered there was no product on the market that could help prevent similar accidents in the home, so they decided to act and design their own.

Ms McCormack said winning the award had been important to their company and had helped them promote the message about child safety in the home.

Winners in each category will receive a cash prize of $2500, trophy, framed certificate and media coverage. 

Nominations close on Friday, 19 December 2008. Winners will be announced at a gala luncheon at Fraser’s Function Centre, King’s Park, on March 13th 2009.

For more information about the WA Consumer Protection Awards 2009, visit www.docep.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.