The winners of the 2019 Consumer Protection Awards were announced today by Commerce Minister John Quigley during a presentation breakfast at The University Club of Western Australia.
The Bolt it Back for Reef campaign took out the Kidsafe WA Award, which focuses on the promotion of product safety and injury prevention for children.
Reef Kite was almost two years old when he was killed in October 2015, when a chest of drawers fell on top of him.
Since then, Reef’s mother Skye Quartermaine and aunty, Dee Quartermaine, began the campaign, creating community awareness and resulting in a proposed change of law in WA that prevents landlords from refusing requests to attach furniture and large appliances to walls.
Glennys Marsdon, who operates a consumer research business The Customer’s Voice, has been honoured with the Rona Okely Award for an individual who has given their time, energy and experience for the betterment of others.
Ms Marsdon conducts surveys and focus groups to ensure that businesses are catering for consumer needs. She also spent three years on Consumer Protection’s Consumer Advisory Committee reviewing numerous consumer issues.
The Street Law Centre Inc. was awarded the Richard (Dick) Fletcher Award for a local government, non-government organisation or group of individuals for their services, initiative or project.
The centre provides support and legal services for people dealing with tenancy issues, the homeless and women affected by family or domestic violence.
In the media category, ABC Broome reporter Erin Parke won the Ruby Hutchison Award, which acknowledges a journalist or media outlet for raising awareness and improving understanding of consumer issues.
Ms Parke produced numerous reports on the operations of cruise company Ahoy Buccaneers, which was subject to consumer complaints and eventually went into liquidation.
A list of finalists can be found at
As stated by Commerce Minister John Quigley:
“I am amazed at the scope of work that is carried out at the community level to help WA consumers, especially those who we regard as vulnerable and disadvantaged.
“This tremendous effort is carried out by highly professional individuals and organisations that often receive little recognition, so it is pleasing to be acknowledging these community champions who work tirelessly to increase the awareness of consumer issues and provide education and support.
“There was a high standard of nominations received for the Consumer Protection Awards this year, and I give special thanks to those who took the time to nominate and congratulate the winners.”
