Jobs may go as cuts considered

The Karratha Department of Commerce may axe its Karratha office, amid a number of cost cutting measures across all operations.

ThePilbara News can reveal the Karratha DOC office is being considered for cutbacks due to a reduction in the Department’s budget.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Anne Driscoll confirmed one proposal being considered was the closure of the Karratha and Kalgoorlie regional offices.

“These two regional offices are the only departmental regional offices that represent just one single division of the Department – the Consumer Protection Division,” she said.

“A proposal for change has been circulated to all Departmental staff and to relevant members of parliament and local governments, with the intention of getting feedback before a final decision is made.”

The Department confirmed, if the changes were to proceed, it would affect two staff members in Karratha and one in Kalgoorlie.

A second position in the Kalgoorlie office is currently filled on a temporary basis.

Despite assurances from Ms Driscoll, who promised consumers and businesses in Karratha would continue to receive a full range of services from Consumer Protection, the news has shocked the business community.

Karratha and Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive John Lally said it was a blow for small businesses in the region.

“If we’re going to encourage businesses in regional areas, the government needs to offer a high level of support in regional areas,” he said.

“Experience shows us in the past when the government closes local offices, the level of service drops dramatically as it takes away the support mechanisms businesses need.

“If the Department want to cut jobs, they should do it in Perth where there are already plenty of support services available for businesses.”

Ms Driscoll confirmed the existing Contact Centre number would be available to respond to telephone enquiries into the future. The existing email enquiry service would also be retained.

Minister for Commerce Michael Mischin said consideration was being given to rationalising the DOC’s service delivery accommodation in regional WA.

He said a consultation process was about to begin and decisions would be made once that process was completed.