With Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard
I remember the first time we held the Consumer Protection Awards in 2004 and I'm proud that the annual event has become firmly fixed in the Western Australian calendar as an opportunity to acknowledge community contributions to consumer protection.
Many individuals, organisations, businesses and media professionals are involved in helping others understand, and have better access to, consumer protection. This work includes championing the causes and rights of vulnerable consumers, mediation or dispute resolution processes, undertaking research, developing outstanding education programs, and work in the child product safety space.
Nominations are now open for the CP Awards 2020 and there are four categories - three of which are named after prominent past advocates Rona Okely, Richard (Dick) Fletcher and Ruby Hutchison, plus the Kidsafe WA category acknowledges work that advances injury prevention for children. Winners in each category receive a cash prize of $2,500.
One of the 2019 winners was Glennys Marsdon who has passionately researched and advocated for WA consumers across a wide range of issues from scams to domestic violence and housing issues for older people. She asked me to share this message: "The Rona Okely Award has provided me with new opportunities to remind consumers about the value of speaking up, answering surveys and getting involved when they see an issue in the community. If you know someone toiling away in the background to make Perth a safer place I urge you to nominate them."
The other 2019 winners were Street Law community legal centre; the Quartermaine family who have been lobbying for toppling furniture laws, now passed in Parliament; and ABC reporter Erin Parke for her stories raising awareness about consumer issues.
Nominations for 2020 must be received by 5pm on Friday 29 November 2019. So consider nominating someone you know and don't be shy about putting your own name forward.
