The Minister for Financial Services and Regulation, Joe Hockey, today urged consumers to take care when buying toys for children this Christmas.
The Minister, who is responsible for consumer affairs, made the call today when launching a new edition of the consumer safety booklet Safe Toys for Kids.
Safe Toys for Kids has over a number of years helped parents, grandparents and friends of young children to choose safe toys, the Minister said.
"Let's make sure the toys we buy as Christmas gifts for young children are as safe as they possibly can be. If you are going to be buying toys for children, use this comprehensive booklet to guide you in safe choices," the Minister said.
"Don't buy toys with small parts for children under three years - they could choke on them. Also, make sure very young children don't get access to older children's toys that might harm them.
"Make sure toys don't have sharp edges that could cut a child."
"If you're spending some time by the pool and children are using arm bands, inflatable rings and other water toys, remember they are toys and not life-saving devices and children should always be supervised by a competent adult," the Minister said.
The Government is committed to consumer safety and education initiatives. This booklet is one of a number of planned consumer information publications funded through the Government's Consumer Information Program, announced in the 1998-99 Budget and which provides $1 million over three years.
Copies of Safe Toys for Kids can be obtained from Consumer Affairs Division, the Treasury - Ph 02 62136091, email - consumer.affairs@treasury.gov.au.