Residents of Corangamite and Colac-Otway Shire Councils are being encouraged by Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney to nominate local consumer protection champions for the inaugural Consumer Affairs Victoria Awards.
“Nominations are still open for the inaugural awards, with the winners to be announced at a ceremony on 15 November 2007,” Ms. Tierney said.
“The awards will give the Bracks Government the opportunity to recognise excellence in consumer protection by applauding the valuable and important work of members of our community.
Nominations are open to individuals, businesses, peak bodies and community groups and will be judged by a panel of consumer protection and advocacy experts.
“Every Victorian is a consumer in some way, and initiatives to protect consumers come in many forms, such as educating the community about fair trading or credit issues, helping consumers with tenancy matters, or providing advocacy and support to vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers,” Ms. Tierney said.
Ms. Tierney said the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Daniel Andrews announced the inaugural consumer protection awards on World Consumer Rights Day on 15 March as a way to formally recognise and honour the many agencies, industry bodies, community groups and individuals who provided support and assistance to consumers.
“I am encouraging Corangamite and Colac-Otway residents to nominate local people and organisations so we can honour their important consumer protection contributions and help showcase their many achievements,” Ms. Tierney said.
“These people and organisations are often reluctant to publicise their own contributions to the important work of consumer protection, so we are hoping their fellow residents will tell us about their great efforts.”
Ms. Tierney said entries closed at 4pm on Friday 3 August 2007.
People interested in applying or submitting a nomination for an award can obtain more details about the process from the Consumer Affairs Victoria website, www.consumer.vic.gov.au/cavawards, by telephoning 8684 6034 or by emailing cavawards@justice.vic.gov.au.
The award categories are:
Consumer Advocacy Excellence Award (individual) – awarded to an individual that has worked within the community, and through their efforts have championed consumer rights. Two awards will be presented– one for work undertaken in metropolitan Melbourne, one for work undertaken in regional Victoria.
Consumer Advocacy Excellence Award (group) – awarded to a peak body or group that has worked within the community and through their efforts have championed consumer rights. Two awards will be presented– one for a group operating in metropolitan Melbourne, one for a group operating in regional Victoria.
Business/Industry Compliance Award – awarded to a business that has demonstrated exemplary complaints-handling, service provision or compliance with the provisions of the Fair Trading Act, or to an industry association that has worked towards developing industry standards designed to protect consumers. Two awards will be presented– one for a business operating in metropolitan Melbourne, one for a business operating in regional Victoria.
Consumer Stuff Excellence Award – awarded to the outstanding entry in the CEIS Consumer Stuff Challenge Competition. The winner will be chosen from the five divisional winners.
Consumer Champion Award – awarded to an individual or organisation that has supported and advanced the rights of vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers, such as multicultural, indigenous, or senior consumers or people with a disability. Two awards will be presented – one for a champion in metropolitan Melbourne, one for a champion in regional Victoria.
Media Award – Awarded to any media organisation or journalist, whether from press, radio, television or online services, that demonstrates a commitment to consumer protection.