NSW Fair Trading Minister, Linda Burney, endorsed the ‘coherent national approach’ to product safety that Chris Bowen, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Consumer Affairs, outlined in his address to the National Consumer Congress in Perth today.

Ms Burney said the Iemma Government had long supported the move towards a nationally consistent State and Territory-based approach to product safety.

“Back in 2006 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) requested that the Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs (MCCA) develop options for a national system of product safety,” Ms Burney said.

The Queensland Government produced a plan for a uniform approach which was accepted by COAG in April 2007.

“We all agreed that national consistency would ensure a level playing field for consumers, suppliers and retailers,” Ms Burney said.

“Quick action to remove potentially deadly products from marketplaces across Australia is essential.

“Late last year Bindeez craft products were removed in all states within two days after I learnt that two children had been hospitalised after swallowing the beads.

“This was a clear indication of how all states and territories can work together in a harmonised manner.

“The same was true when lead was discovered in the paint on toys. Joint action saw the toys promptly removed all over Australia.”

“At this point in time, we are all moving towards the harmonised model where the States and Territories have responsibility for enforcement and compliance.

“It is logical that Fair Trading investigators continue to visit stores and markets in suburbs, towns and rural areas and have the power to order products to be removed from the shelves and penalise traders who break the law by selling dangerous products. 

“I don’t believe a centralised agency based in Canberra would have the ability to effectively reach out to the outlying corners of our cities and the bush.

“I was pleased to learn that the MCCA will meet formally twice a year because this will ensure that we can move ahead on this and other reforms.”

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