Small Business Minister Michael McCormack has today issued a Safety Warning Notice for owners and repairers of Polaris youth quad bikes which may contain asbestos.
Acting on advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Mr McCormack said the Notice advises consumers to check their youth quad bikes to ensure the safety of those who use them.
"My most important job as Minister responsible for Consumer Affairs is to protect Australian consumers’ safety, which is why I am issuing this Notice today," Mr McCormack said.
"As a country MP, I know how important quad bikes can be for work on the farm and how many young people ride youth bikes too, so I wanted to ensure as many consumers as possible are made aware of the recall.
"The Notice warns that Australian quad bike supplier Polaris has found asbestos in brake pads, brake shoes, gaskets and washers in some of its youth quad bike models supplied into Australia from 2000 to 2017."
Polaris recalled 12 models and various component parts in its youth range of quad bikes supplied from 31 December 2003 to 2017 earlier this week. However, Polaris supplied certain models and parts of quad bikes to Australian consumers between 2000 and 2003.
"Polaris has not recalled models imported into Australia between 2000 and 2003, even though they may contain asbestos. Consequently, the ACCC is investigating the safety of the products not subject to the recall notice," Mr McCormack said.
Mr McCormack said owners and users should not do any repair or maintenance work on the affected parts of the quad bikes.
"The presence of asbestos in quad bike parts presents a risk to those who do their own mechanical work and to others – such as employees on the farm – who might repair or service the bike. The ACCC’s current advice is that it is unlikely to present a safety risk while riding the quad bike," Mr McCormack said.
Affected Polaris youth quad bikes should be taken to a Polaris dealership to be repaired by qualified personnel using appropriate safety procedures. Any materials containing asbestos must be disposed of at licensed facilities.
"If you own a quad bike supplied between 2000 and 2017, contact Polaris and seek a replacement of the components. If you encounter any issues having an affected quad bike fixed by Polaris without charge, please contact the ACCC immediately," Mr McCormack said.
"This is a very important issue for many farmers and consumers across Australia and I urge those who have quad bikes to heed this advice and ensure their safety."
Polaris’ testing followed increased scrutiny of importations by the Australian Border Force. Consumers with concerns should contact Polaris immediately.
The Safety Warning and Recall Notices are available at the Product Safety Australia website.