Published Friday, 22 August, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Compliance Officers Satisfied Ekka Toys Were Safe: Shine
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said he’s satisfied Office of Fair Trading inspectors did ensure toys sold at the Brisbane RNA show did comply with safety standards despite some toys being removed at the Adelaide Show.
“My department has spoken with South Australian authorities after they withdrew six toys from their show and immediately reviewed the inspections conducted at the RNA Show,” Mr Shine said.
“All show bags which were for sale were inspected at the RNA Show and one toy clown was removed from a show bag due to excessive lead levels.
“Not all of the toys identified in South Australia were sold at the Ekka.
“OFT inspectors have advised me they are confident two guns with laser pointers withdrawn in South Australia were not on sale at the Ekka.”
Mr Shine said inspectors also examined noise producing guns and found that they were not excessively noisy when used in the context intended.
There are no mandatory standards for noise producing toys in Australia.
“Inspectors have advised me a puzzle toy withdrawn in South Australia was not marketed at children under three at the Ekka and was clearly labelled on both the toy and the show bag as only being suitable for children over three years.
“Had it been marketed at children under this age inspectors would have ordered its removal from the show bag.”
“Inspectors also closely examined a soft toy at the Ekka which was withdrawn in South Australia and were satisfied it met the mandatory safety standards after the supplier produced a compliance report.”
Mr Shine said inspectors will continue to closely examine toys sold at upcoming shows in Queensland and will remove from sale any item which is found to not comply with safety standards.
“As always I encourage parents attending shows to consider the safety of items and only buy show bags that are labelled as suitable for the age of your child.
“If any consumer find a toy they think is unsafe they should report it to the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04.”
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273
“My department has spoken with South Australian authorities after they withdrew six toys from their show and immediately reviewed the inspections conducted at the RNA Show,” Mr Shine said.
“All show bags which were for sale were inspected at the RNA Show and one toy clown was removed from a show bag due to excessive lead levels.
“Not all of the toys identified in South Australia were sold at the Ekka.
“OFT inspectors have advised me they are confident two guns with laser pointers withdrawn in South Australia were not on sale at the Ekka.”
Mr Shine said inspectors also examined noise producing guns and found that they were not excessively noisy when used in the context intended.
There are no mandatory standards for noise producing toys in Australia.
“Inspectors have advised me a puzzle toy withdrawn in South Australia was not marketed at children under three at the Ekka and was clearly labelled on both the toy and the show bag as only being suitable for children over three years.
“Had it been marketed at children under this age inspectors would have ordered its removal from the show bag.”
“Inspectors also closely examined a soft toy at the Ekka which was withdrawn in South Australia and were satisfied it met the mandatory safety standards after the supplier produced a compliance report.”
Mr Shine said inspectors will continue to closely examine toys sold at upcoming shows in Queensland and will remove from sale any item which is found to not comply with safety standards.
“As always I encourage parents attending shows to consider the safety of items and only buy show bags that are labelled as suitable for the age of your child.
“If any consumer find a toy they think is unsafe they should report it to the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04.”
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273