Published Thursday, 22 November, 2007 at 08:50 AM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Fair Trading Working To Protect Children From Unsafe Toys: Shine
The Office of Fair Trading is working to ensure none of the unsafe toys identified by the consumer organisation Choice are being sold in Queensland, Attorney-General Kerry Shine said today.
Mr Shine said product safety inspectors from the Office of Fair Trading have been conducting toy safety inspections throughout the State since early October as part of its annual pre-Christmas toy safety audit.
“Inspectors have targeted toy shops and other outlets that sell toys and, to date, have not found any of the toys on sale in the Queensland marketplace,” he said.
Mr Shine said the results of the Queensland Christmas toy safety audit would be available in early December.
“Choice announced yesterday that 14 out of 30 toys it tested failed one or more elements of the national toy standard.
“The mandatory standard for toys sets out safety requirements for choking hazards in toys for children aged 36 months and under. No toys designed for this age group should release small parts when subject to stringent use and abuse tests.
“Choice is to be commended for taking a proactive stand in relation to the safety of toys and I welcome their report.”
Mr Shine said there had been recent calls for a nationally consistent approach to product safety regulation.
“Queensland is leading work to develop a harmonised national approach to product safety.”
“When it comes to ensuring the safety of children’s toys, everyone has a role to play.
“Given that all the toys in the Choice report are imported, there is clearly a need for the Commonwealth government to be more active in preventing unsafe goods entering the country.
“The states and territories have proven highly effective at removing unsafe products from the shelves, informing consumers about making safe product choices and assisting industry to sell only safe products.
“However, the reality is that businesses are deciding what they sell and they clearly need to take more responsibility for the safety of the products they are importing.
“Parents also have an important role in protecting their children from unsafe toys, including making the right choice when they are buying toys and ensuring children are adequately supervised.”
For more information about how to buy safe toys for your child go to the Office of Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 13 04.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273
Mr Shine said product safety inspectors from the Office of Fair Trading have been conducting toy safety inspections throughout the State since early October as part of its annual pre-Christmas toy safety audit.
“Inspectors have targeted toy shops and other outlets that sell toys and, to date, have not found any of the toys on sale in the Queensland marketplace,” he said.
Mr Shine said the results of the Queensland Christmas toy safety audit would be available in early December.
“Choice announced yesterday that 14 out of 30 toys it tested failed one or more elements of the national toy standard.
“The mandatory standard for toys sets out safety requirements for choking hazards in toys for children aged 36 months and under. No toys designed for this age group should release small parts when subject to stringent use and abuse tests.
“Choice is to be commended for taking a proactive stand in relation to the safety of toys and I welcome their report.”
Mr Shine said there had been recent calls for a nationally consistent approach to product safety regulation.
“Queensland is leading work to develop a harmonised national approach to product safety.”
“When it comes to ensuring the safety of children’s toys, everyone has a role to play.
“Given that all the toys in the Choice report are imported, there is clearly a need for the Commonwealth government to be more active in preventing unsafe goods entering the country.
“The states and territories have proven highly effective at removing unsafe products from the shelves, informing consumers about making safe product choices and assisting industry to sell only safe products.
“However, the reality is that businesses are deciding what they sell and they clearly need to take more responsibility for the safety of the products they are importing.
“Parents also have an important role in protecting their children from unsafe toys, including making the right choice when they are buying toys and ensuring children are adequately supervised.”
For more information about how to buy safe toys for your child go to the Office of Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 13 04.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273