Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson today toured the showbag pavilion ahead of the Show’s official opening on Thursday.
“For many of the thousands of families that will pour through the gates of the Sydney Royal Easter Show every day over the next fortnight, the highlight is often the showbags as much as it is the produce and livestock from right across regional NSW,” Mr Anderson said.
“With close to 1.5 million showbags expected to be sold over the course of the Show, Fair Trading officers have been working flat out to make sure that the hundreds of toys and novelty items in the showbags on offer are completely safe for kids to enjoy.
“I am very pleased to confirm that the showbags have been checked, they are safe and they are ready to fly off the shelves once the doors open later this week.
“From a safety perspective, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is good to go.”
As a result of the safety blitz only one toy was found which did not comply with Australian Standards and Australian Consumer Law.
“Compliance this year has been superb with only one toy removed, which was a wooden puzzle with some pieces that may have presented a choking hazard for young kids,” Mr Anderson said.
SafeWork and Fair Trading inspectors have also been on the ground inspecting high-risk amusement rides and portable gas installations for food vendors.
“While the rides and sideshow alley amusements are being set up, SafeWork is undertaking targeted verification checks on some of those that have been identified as high-risk,” Mr Anderson said.
Under Australian Consumer Law, individuals caught selling dangerous toys face a maximum fine of $220,000 while companies can face fines of up to $1.1 million. For more information please visit www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
