Published
NSW Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts said safety checks for the Royal Easter Show had cleared showbags, with all toys and novelty items complying with product safety laws.
Mr Roberts said NSW Fair Trading officers had inspected the contents of more than 300 showbags to ensure safety, following similar recent checks at the Newcastle, Castle Hill and Camden shows.
“This is great news for families headed for the show,” he said. “NSW Fair Trading has worked closely with the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW and exhibitors for years and will continue to work with them to great effect.
“Anyone selling showbags at the Royal Easter Show, with projectile toys or toys for children aged under three years, must have test reports proving products comply with Australian safety standards.
“Two non-compliant projectile toys were identified during checks at the Newcastle Show and one non-compliant projectile toy was identified at the Camden Show.
“These three products were removed from those showbags immediately and will not be supplied at the Easter Show.”
Chief Executive of the RAS Peter King said NSW Fair Trading’s assistance was greatly appreciated.
“This year we have a record number of showbags on sale, so we appreciate Fair Trading officers ensuring that all our showbags are cleared for sale,” he said.
“Families can check out the contents of every showbag online at eastershow.com.au, plus make a budget to bring with them to the show.”
Mr Roberts said NSW Fair Trading inspectors would continue to do random checks on showbags, on prizes in sideshow alley and on electrical products for sale in pavilions throughout the show.
“Compliance with safety and information standards under the Australian Consumer Law and the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 is critical for public safety,” he said.
“Consumers buying electrical goods should always ask the salesperson to show them the approval number or the approval mark.”
Electrical goods must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS3100 or in the case of portable electrical power tools, AS/NZS3160. They must also have an Australian approval number or mark. Examples of these marks can be found on the NSW Fair Trading website. Advertising electrical articles or displaying electrical articles as gifts in promotions is also selling in accordance with provisions of the legislation.
Mr Roberts encouraged parents to be vigilant in checking the suitability of toys and other items for their children.
Contact details
Media inquiries
Teresa Mullen, Media contact 02 9338 8916 or 0423 606 394
General inquiries
NSW Fair Trading 13 32 20