Published
- Inspectors test contents of 307 showbags to ensure child safety
- One item identified as a safety hazard
- Items containing small button batteries closely examined
Safety inspectors have carried out stringent safety checks on more than 300 showbags for this year’s Perth Royal Show to ensure the safety of West Australian children.
Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said Consumer Protection and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission inspectors examined the contents of 307 showbags ahead of the show, which begins on September 28.
Mr Mischin said inspectors paid particular attention to toys and novelty items using small button batteries following the death of a Queensland girl in June. The four-year-old died after swallowing a lithium battery.
“All items with button batteries were inspected to ensure the battery compartments were properly secured by a screw so small children could not access them,” he said.
The Minister said the showbag safety checks identified one item as a safety risk - a potential choking hazard.
“A small telescope in the ‘Jake and the Neverland Pirates’ showbag contained a small part that posed a choking hazard to children under three years of age. The part has now been removed,” he said.
“Four other items including sunglasses, toiletry products and tattoos were identified as not complying with labelling laws. These items were either removed or replaced with correct labelling or a compliant product.”
Mr Mischin said traders selling unsafe products could face prosecution, with fines from $220,000 for individuals and up to $1.1million for corporations.
The annual safety checks are carried out at the invitation of the Royal Agricultural Society to ensure that all showbags on sale comply with Australian standards.
“These checks ensure parents can have peace of mind but it’s still important that they take note of the recommended ages on the bags and their contents to determine whether they are appropriate for their children,” the Minister said.
“The State Government has committed $1.2million to provide free entry to the show for children under 12 because we recognise that it is a significant event for families and the agricultural community. We want families to enjoy a rewarding and safe show.”
Fact File
- Perth Royal Show runs from September 28 to October 5, 2013
- The State Government is investing $1.2million to provide free entry to the Perth show for children 12 years old and younger, when accompanied by an adult
- More info on product safety at: http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumerprotection or http://www.productsafety.gov.au
Contact details
Minister’s office - (08) 6552 5600