Consumer Protection urges families to prioritise safety at Perth Royal Show

While the Perth Royal Show which runs from 21st – 28th September 2024 promises fun for all ages, WA Consumer Protection is reminding parents to carefully inspect for potential hazards that could be lurking in novelty toys and prizes.

During the 2023 event, Consumer Protection product safety inspectors examined nearly 60 products found in showbags and at sideshow alley stalls, of which 19 failed to comply with mandatory safety standards. 

Non-compliant items included flashing wands, flower crowns and headbands without secure button battery covers and clear warnings; toy guns that failed to carry mandatory warnings for projectile toys; face stickers without mandatory ingredient labelling required for cosmetics; and toys containing small parts that could present a choking risk.

As a result, nine formal warnings and two infringement notices were issued to stallholders – a substantial improvement on the 2022 event when 12 infringement notices were handed out.

WA Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said it was pleasing to see more stallholders doing the right thing and confirmed the product safety team’s involvement again this year.

“The Perth Royal Show is a wonderful event, and our product safety inspectors will be out and about during the week checking what’s in the showbags and at the stalls to make sure it’s all safe for kids,” Commissioner Blake shared.

“They’ll be looking at items containing deadly button batteries and other regulated products, such as projectile toys, and making sure ingredient labels are displayed on novelty products like kids’ cosmetics and face-paint.”

Where non-compliance is identified, traders may face formal warnings or on-the-spot infringements, which range from $1,320 for individuals and partnerships, to $6,600 for companies.

Commissioner Blake added “things we take into account when issuing warnings and fines are the potential for injury or harm, as well as the level of non-compliance, meaning if the trader is selling multiple non-compliant items.

“The trader’s prior history is also taken into account, meaning if they have been educated or received a warning previously, it is much more likely the stallholder will be issued with an infringement.”

Commissioner Blake also urged parents to carefully inspect toys and prizes before handing them to children and return any unsafe products to the stallholder for a refund noting “we would also like to hear about the issue – by reporting unsafe items, we can help prevent other children from being harmed.”

The Royal Agricultural Society of WA (RASWA) is working closely with Consumer Protection and show stallholders to ensure the safety of all attendees.

“Our site rules and communication to vendors include information on product safety and a clear list of banned items at the show,” said Robyn Sermon, RASWA Chief Executive.

“Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our patrons and we’re pleased to work together with Consumer Protection to undertake inspections on products sold at the show.”

For more information on button battery safety and how to report non-compliant items, please visit the Product Safety website or contact Consumer Protection at 1300 30 40 54 or consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au.