Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech has launched the Beattie Government's 2007 Queensland Consumer Protection Awards, to recognise exceptional consumer protection, promotion, education or advocacy.

Mrs Keech said the Government was committed to ensuring the Queensland marketplace was fair for all consumers.

"But we can't do this all on our own," she said.

"Every year many individuals, businesses, community organisations, industry associations and the media go the extra mile to protect consumers and the Awards are a way to acknowledge their efforts.

"I invite the nomination of consumer advocates and businesses people think are deserving of recognition for work in protecting consumers or delivering high standards of service.

"As well as public recognition of their achievements and increased consumer confidence in their organisation each category winner will receive a cash prize of $1,500.

"Regional finalists will also receive overnight accommodation for two people in Brisbane so they can attend the Awards ceremony in May 2007. "

Queensland Shelter's Mark Cook-Long, winner of the 2006 Consumer Advocacy Award and Minister's Award for Excellence encourages others to nominate.

"Winning the Queensland Consumer Protection Awards has given our community organisation based in Toowoomba more credibility," he said.

"The prize money has also allowed us to put together a research project that we wouldn't have been able to afford."

Nominees can choose from three categories including:

·TradeSmart Award - recognising achievement by a Queensland business, company or professional/industry association in promoting consumer protection.

·Consumer Advocacy Award - recognising achievement in promoting consumer protection by an individual, non-government or community organisation. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it " target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\> This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it >.au\u003c/a\>. \u003c/p\>\n\n\n\u003cp\>Media contacts: David Smith 07 3225 1005 or Sofia Hum (OFT) 3119 0071 \u003c/p\>\n\u003cp\>\n\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003cWBR\>\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003cWBR\>\u003d\u003d\n\u003cp\>\nTo unsubscribe from the Media Statements mailing list, or change the \nminister(s) and/or portfolio(s) to which you are subscribed, please\ngo to the 'login' page at \u003ca href\u003d\"http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/mms/Login.aspx\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>http://statements.cabinet.qld\u003cWBR\>.gov.au/mms/Login.aspx\u003c/a\>\u003cbr\>\nEnter the username and password you used to subscribe in the text boxes and \nclick on the link that allows you to check your subscription details.\u003cbr\> \nThe address with which you are subscribed is '\u003ca href\u003d\"mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it " target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\> This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it u003c/a\>'.\nPlease ensure that you use the email address exactly as it appears, \nespecially in relation to upper and lower case characters.\n\t\t\u003c/p\>\u003c/p\>\u003c/p\>\u003c/p\>",0] ); //-->

·Public Awareness Media Award - recognising achievement in advancing awareness about consumer issues in the Queensland media.

All nominees also have the chance to win the Minister's Award for Excellence which is selected from all nominations.

Nominations close National Consumer Day 5pmThursday 15 March 2007.

For more information go to www.consumerawards.qld.gov.au or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .au.