Perth Royal Show bags pass Government safety check

16/9/03
A safety check by the Department of Consumer Protection has given the all clear to 227 different show bags, which will be on sale at this year's Perth Royal Show.
Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke said officers from the department's product safety unit and a representative of KidSafe WA had examined the show bags and found the level of compliance was generally very high.
"Several labelling issues were detected, but these have now been rectified by the show bag distributors," Mr Kobelke said.
"The bags are inspected to ensure they comply with the show bag safety requirements, toy standards and product information and safety standards."
Mr Kobelke said the Gallop Government was committed to creating safer communities and at the national level had raised the need for guidelines on the safety of toys and novelties in show bags.
"It is a pat on the back for Western Australia that, after consultation with show bag vendors, those guidelines have now been adopted across Australia," he said.
"All vendors for the Perth Royal Show have complied with the new guidelines, and once again the safety standard of show bags on sale this year is pleasing.
"However, I would urge parents to pay close attention to young children and check the labels for age suitability before purchasing a show bag or using a product."
The Minister warned parents who would buy show bags for small children, in particular, to be aware of potential choking hazards.
"Generally any toy or novelty that fits inside a 35mm film canister could be dangerous to young children," Mr Kobelke said.
The Department of Consumer and Employment Protection's Product Safety Unit has been developing a special new label, to add to sample canisters for distribution at future shows and fairs, that would provide a useful comparative guide for parents.
Minister's office: 9222 9211