Relief as services retained in Karratha

The local business community breathed a sigh of relief yesterday after the Department of Commerce announced the Karratha Consumer Protection office would remain open, despite a number of cost cutting measures across its operations.

In July the Pilbara News revealed the Karratha and Kalgoorlie branches were being considered for cutbacks because of a reduction in the Department's budget.

It is understood during a month long consultation period, the Department of Commerce was flooded with letters calling for the regional offices to remain open.

In a statement the Consumer Protection acting Commissioner Gary Newcombe confirmed the Department had been “persuaded by responses” to keep the Karratha and Kalgoorlie offices open.

He said the Department had identified other areas in which to achieve the cost reductions required.

Karratha and Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive John Lally welcomed the decision to rethink the proposed closure of the Consumer Protection office in town.

“Losing services to small businesses is the last thing we need,” he said.

“Experience shows us in the past when the government closes local offices, the level of service drops dramatically.

“It has been proven that people on ground in Karratha are more effective and efficient at delivering services to the local community.”

The Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association branch secretary Toni Walkington said staff they represented in regional offices provided a “much-needed service” and were best-placed to deal with local issues.

“Now that the offices are to remain open, we call on the Barnett Government and Commerce Minister Michael Mischin to outline where savings will now be made,” she said.

“It is important that the government consults with those affected by any proposal that could have an impact on services or staff providing the service.”

The Labor Member for Mining and Pastoral Region Stephen Dawson said the removal of further government services was counterproductive to the Pilbara Cities vision to increase the population and number of services in the region.

"The plan to close the office...was shortsighted…and would have resulted in another part-time fly-in fly-out service being offered to our community in place of a respected full-time locally run service,” he said.

"This service is valued by local consumers and businesses alike, so it's very pleasing that common sense has prevailed and the office will remain open."