Citizens' Advice Bureau's website launched

1/12/98

One of the State's best-known sources of information has become easier to access, with the opening today of the Citizens' Advice Bureau's Website by Family and Children's Services Minister Rhonda Parker.

"The site contains details of the services provided by the bureau and how to access it as well as a page where questions can be left and the answers sent by e-mail," Mrs Parker said.

"It makes information on the services provided in the three areas of the bureau's services - information, legal advice and mediation - more readily available.

"With 59,000 inquiries last year and branches in Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Esperance, Fremantle, Kwinana, Mandurah, Midland, Perth city and Rockingham, the Citizens' Advice Bureau provides an invaluable service to the people of Western Australia."

Mrs Parker said the advice requested could range from inquiries on probate or family law to the names of Santa's reindeer.

The bureau was funded by a $240,000 grant from Family and Children's Services and the Ministry of Justice.

"However, the bureau would not be able to provide the service it does without its 260 volunteers, who provided more than 38,000 hours service last year," the Minister said.

"The website is not intended to replace face-to-face contact but will complement the services provided.

"It is appropriate that the website is running before the New Year, which is the busiest time of the year for the bureau.

"During the holiday period there is an increase in the number of inquiries dealing with relationship problems and credit card bills from overspending at Christmas," Mrs Parker said.

The website is at www.iinet.net.au/~cab

Media contact: Owen Cole, 9481 7810