Awards recognise outstanding effort for consumers

Queensland’s best consumer advocates have been rewarded by Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech in a special ceremony at Parliament House today.

Mrs Keech officially named the winners of this year’s Consumer Protection Awards for the promotion of consumer rights.

“These Awards recognise some of the most innovative programs in Queensland aimed at promoting the rights of Queensland customers,” Mrs Keech said.

“They are all about rewarding those who go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to consumer protection.

"Consumer confidence leads to a healthy marketplace and this confidence can only be achieved if buyers trust traders to be fair and ethical.”

Mrs Keech said the awards, now in their third year, attracted entries from a diverse range of businesses, community organisations and the media.

“It’s great to see so many business, individuals and associations playing their part in promoting consumer rights and protection,” she said.

“It is something we can all be very proud of, and is certainly something we would love to see Queensland renowned for.”

The 2007 Award winners were:

·Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) – Consumer Advocacy Award

·Real Estate Institute of Queensland – TradeSmart Award

·Radio 4WK – Public Awareness Media Award

·ICAN was also awarded the Minister’s Award for Excellence, chosen from all nominees across all award categories.

“The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network received the Consumer Advocacy Award and the Minister’s Award for Excellence for its outstanding achievements in providing consumer advocacy, education and assistance to Indigenous consumers across Queensland,” Mrs Keech said.

“In 2006 ICAN ran a training program in six Queensland Aboriginal communities and helped 200 clients with personal loans, reducing Indigenous consumer debt by over $2.7 million.”

Mrs Keech presented the TradeSmart Award to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland for establishing an accredited agency program.

The program introduced a new disciplinary tribunal to deal with issues between consumers and real estate agents not covered by Fair Trading legislation.

“Since launching the program last year, the REIQ has already accredited 1904 agencies across Queensland employing more than 8000 staff,” she said.

“Proactive programs like these, run by industry, encourage stronger consumer confidence in the marketplace.”

Radio 4WK in Toowoomba received the Public Awareness Media Award for its ongoing work in promoting smart consumer behaviour.

“The radio program run by Jim Campbell regularly covers issues such as buying a mobile phone, credit providers, advice on scams and how the Office of Fair Trading can help them,” Mrs Keech said.

“Quality programs like these provide real, tangible benefits for consumers.

“The quality of nominations we received this year gives me great confidence in the fair and equitable trading practices of Queensland businesses.

“Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to all those who nominated.

“I know you will all continue to protect Queenslanders and help maintain our state’s strong economy by encouraging consumer confidence through your innovative ideas.”

Each award winner received a $1500 cash prize for their outstanding achievements in consumer protection, promotion, education or advocacy.

Media Contact: Jo Gibbons 3225 1005 / 0439 761 416 or Cesar Alarcon (OFT) 3119 0071