The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Senator Ian Campbell, today urged parents to be alert to safety risks when buying toys for young children this Christmas.
He said young children risked choking on small parts from some toys if parents did not obey safety warning instructions or if the toys were designed for older children.
"The consequences of not paying full attention to safety instructions or giving a youngster a toy which is unsuitable for their age can be tragic," Senator Campbell said.
"Christmas can be a very busy time,especially for parents of young families. It's a time when normally attentive, careful parents can easily become distracted - and that's when accidents happen."
He urged parents and other family members to think safety-first this Christmas and keep the following in mind:
- Buy toys that are designed for the child's age bracket.
- Follow safety instructions and remove all wrapping and clips.
- Regularly check that toys have not cracked or broken, leaving loose parts that could be swallowed.
- Dispose of toys if they get damaged.
Senator Campbell said the Government continually monitored toy safety standards under the Trade Practices Act.
"Protecting consumers from harm is the paramount objective, however it is a regrettable fact that most toy-related are the result of carelessness," he said. "I would emphasise to everyone who buys toys this Christmas - parents, grandparents, other family members - to think very carefully and spend some time informing themselves about the toy before they buy.
"It is an invaluable investment in children's safety."
Senator Campbell also released a series of consumer protection fact sheets designed for Christmas-New Year shoppers.
The series covers issues such as safety in the home, credit card management, consumers' legal rights if a business does not act fairly and honestly, tips for New Year sales and advice about interest-free offers. Each fact sheet provides plain language answers to common consumer questions and lists organisations that can assist with further information.
Copies of the fact sheets together with two booklets, Keeping Baby Safe and Safe Toys for Kids, are available through all Federal Government MPs or online at www.consumersonline.gov.au.
PERTH
7 December 2002
Contact: Wayne Grant (08) 9421 1755 or 0407 845280