• Winners of 2016 WA Consumer Protection Awards announced
• Event marks World Consumer Rights Day

A community centre, a schools program run by a gas company and a consumer affairs newspaper reporter have been honoured with the top accolades at the 2016 Western Australian Consumer Protection Awards.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin congratulated the winners at a presentation breakfast at The University Club of Western Australia in Crawley today, timed to coincide with World Consumer Rights Day.

“It is only fitting to honour the individuals and organisations which tenaciously fight for the rights of Western Australian consumers and tenants, in particular championing causes that benefit the vulnerable or disadvantaged,” Mr Mischin said.

“I commend the hard work, commitment and dedication shown by all of those nominated, who continue to set a great example across the community.”

The winners are:

• Richard (Dick) Fletcher Award:  Jacaranda Community Centre Inc. – a financial counselling organisation initiated by Aboriginal people. The other finalists were Midland Information Debt and Legal Advocacy Service Inc. (Midlas) and Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre
• Kidsafe WA Award:  ATCO Gas Australia – Schools Program, which provides gas safety education to school children
• Ruby Hutchison (media) Award:  Annabel Hennessy from The Sunday Times for her undercover investigation into WA’s property investment seminar industry. The other finalist was Estelle Lewis of Nine News Perth for her stories about warranties, investment and romance frauds.

The Minister noted the absence of the late Rona Okely who had attended every Consumer Protection Awards ceremony before she passed away, aged 90, in January of this year.

“In the four years that I have had the privilege of attending the awards, and no doubt prior to that, her attendance was a highlight of the event.  Western Australian consumers, past and present, owe a tremendous gratitude to Rona for her pioneering work in establishing protections that remain in place today,” he said.

Fact File

• Four judges considered submissions from 18 nominees to decide on a shortlist of six finalists
• This was the 12th Consumer Protection Awards
• For more information, visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/cpawards