No Delay In Banning Toy:Shine
Published Wednesday, 07 November, 2007 at 02:54 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said there was no delay in Queensland banning the children’s toy Bindeez beads which is believed to be responsible for three children being hospitalised in Queensland and New South Wales.
“I want to make it clear that Queensland did not ban this product a day later than New South Wales or any other state,” Mr Shine said.
“I ordered the ban within seven hours of the Queensland Office of Fair Trading learning that a ban was being considered in New South Wales.”
Mr Shine said the time line of events leading to Queensland banning the product yesterday (Tuesday 6 November, 2007) were:
Timeline
8:00AM: Commissioner of Fair Trading Brian Bauer becomes aware through media reports that New South Wales is considering a ban on Bindeez beads and immediately orders the department to consult with New South Wales authorities and recommend appropriate action for Queensland as a priority.
1:00PM: New South Wales officially informs Queensland and other states that it has ordered a ban on Bindeez beads products.
3:00PM: Commissioner Bauer recommends to the Attorney-General that Queensland ban the product and Mr Shine immediately orders the ban.
Mr Shine said that documentation from New South Wales shows that the ban was not ordered until yesterday.
“I have seen the order from New South Wales and it is clearly marked 6 November, 2007.”
Mr Shine said with the product now banned there are serious consequences for anyone caught selling the toy.
“Individuals caught selling Bindeez beads can be fined up to $40, 500 under the Fair Trading Act while corporations can be fined up to $202, 500.
“Also anyone caught trying to pass these beads off as drugs may be prosecuted for supplying a drug under the Drugs Misuse Act.”
Mr Shine said the current ban will be in place for 42 days during which time interested parties must show cause why a ban should not be enforced for 18 months.
“It is up to the industry to present reasons why a longer ban should not be put in place.”
“We also expect New South Wales authorities to provide us with the results of tests being undertaken on Bindeez beads.”
Mr Shine said the company involved in distributing Bindeez beads has announced a national recall of the product and that parents can receive a refund by calling 1800 303 895.
“I would encourage parents to remove this product from their homes and return it for a refund,” Mr Shine said.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273
“I want to make it clear that Queensland did not ban this product a day later than New South Wales or any other state,” Mr Shine said.
“I ordered the ban within seven hours of the Queensland Office of Fair Trading learning that a ban was being considered in New South Wales.”
Mr Shine said the time line of events leading to Queensland banning the product yesterday (Tuesday 6 November, 2007) were:
Timeline
8:00AM: Commissioner of Fair Trading Brian Bauer becomes aware through media reports that New South Wales is considering a ban on Bindeez beads and immediately orders the department to consult with New South Wales authorities and recommend appropriate action for Queensland as a priority.
1:00PM: New South Wales officially informs Queensland and other states that it has ordered a ban on Bindeez beads products.
3:00PM: Commissioner Bauer recommends to the Attorney-General that Queensland ban the product and Mr Shine immediately orders the ban.
Mr Shine said that documentation from New South Wales shows that the ban was not ordered until yesterday.
“I have seen the order from New South Wales and it is clearly marked 6 November, 2007.”
Mr Shine said with the product now banned there are serious consequences for anyone caught selling the toy.
“Individuals caught selling Bindeez beads can be fined up to $40, 500 under the Fair Trading Act while corporations can be fined up to $202, 500.
“Also anyone caught trying to pass these beads off as drugs may be prosecuted for supplying a drug under the Drugs Misuse Act.”
Mr Shine said the current ban will be in place for 42 days during which time interested parties must show cause why a ban should not be enforced for 18 months.
“It is up to the industry to present reasons why a longer ban should not be put in place.”
“We also expect New South Wales authorities to provide us with the results of tests being undertaken on Bindeez beads.”
Mr Shine said the company involved in distributing Bindeez beads has announced a national recall of the product and that parents can receive a refund by calling 1800 303 895.
“I would encourage parents to remove this product from their homes and return it for a refund,” Mr Shine said.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273