Chris Pearce MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, today announced a new mandatory standard for prams and strollers.
“While most prams and strollers on the Australian market voluntarily comply with safety standards, the new mandatory standard will improve safety levels for babies and young children,” said Mr Pearce.
The new standard, introduced through the Trade Practices Act, will take effect on 1 July 2008. It has been prepared by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission over recent months. This important safety issue was also raised at the May meeting of the Ministerial Council for Consumer Affairs.
There has been wide support from industry and consumer groups for the introduction of regulations for prams and strollers. The new standard includes critical requirements drawn from the Australian / New Zealand Voluntary Standard for prams and strollers to help prevent entrapment.
In recognition of recent tragic incidents where children have been killed or injured when their strollers rolled away from carers, the mandatory standard requires a tether strap to give carers a means of restraining prams and strollers, in addition to a requirement for a parking brake.
“All new prams and strollers must meet the new standard by 1 July 2008. However, I strongly urge all suppliers to ensure compliance as soon as possible in order to help reduce the potential for further injury and accidents,” said Mr Pearce.
The new standard applies nationally, and will regulate most prams and strollers which are bought by Australian families. State and Territory governments will consider introducing similar requirements, which would also apply to unincorporated traders and to unincorporated second hand nursery product dealers operating in only one State.
5 July 2007
MELBOURNE
Contact: Conor O’Brien - (03) 9887 3890 or 0402 970 515