UPDATE: Safety fears are escalating for the upcoming Perth Royal Show, set to run from September 27 to October 4, 2024, as product safety inspectors reveal alarming findings from last year’s event. A recent inspection of 121 toys and novelty items uncovered that 19 products failed to meet safety standards, raising urgent concerns for families planning to attend.
Authorities confirmed that among the non-compliant items were light-up animal hats, headbands, and balloons lacking appropriate button battery warnings, along with tooth-whitening kits and stick-on nails missing ingredient lists. Furthermore, pajamas were sold without necessary fire hazard labels, and archery sets lacked mandatory projectile toy warnings. The inspections have already led to $15,000 in penalties for stallholders, who received four infringement notices.
Trish Blake, the Consumer Protection Commissioner, emphasized the importance of safety at the event, stating, “The Perth Royal Show is a fantastic event for families, and it’s vital that the products on offer—especially those for children—are safe.” To ensure compliance, product safety officers will be present during the show, conducting rigorous checks from opening day.
Inspectors plan to monitor high-risk items closely, including those containing button batteries, which pose a significant safety risk to young children. Blake warned stallholders, “There’s simply no excuse for carrying non-compliant stock.” She urged parents to inspect toys and prizes thoroughly before giving them to children, particularly items that flash or make noise, as they often contain button batteries.
In a proactive measure, inspectors will conduct a final walkthrough ahead of the show’s opening to allow stallholders to address any issues. Once the event begins, there will be no second chances; formal warnings and infringement notices will be issued on the spot. Penalties range from $1,320 for individuals to $6,600 for companies.
The findings echo last year’s inspection results, where authorities tested over 400 showbags at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, with only one item removed. With safety standards in effect since mid-2022, the persistence of non-compliance raises troubling questions about vendor accountability.
As the countdown to the Perth Royal Show continues, families are encouraged to stay vigilant. Blake advises parents to conduct a simple drop test to check for loose components and to return any unsafe items for a refund. The stakes are high, and ensuring the safety of children remains the top priority.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates from the Perth Royal Show. With inspectors on patrol, the focus on safety is more critical than ever.
