Product Safety

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:16): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Business Services and Consumers a question about product safety.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.T. NGO: The summer holiday school break is almost here and you often hear parents getting tired of kids bouncing off walls during such a long break.

The Hon. G.E. Gago: And parents bouncing off walls.

The Hon. T.T. NGO: Parents bouncing off walls as well. Many honourable members here who have kids would have experienced this. It is often suggested that kids could use the energy by bouncing off a trampoline instead as a way to keep them occupied. Can the minister tell the chamber what consumers should be aware of when looking to purchase a trampoline?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (15:17): I thank the honourable member for his most important question. It is an important question because of the level of accidents that occur on trampolines. The members opposite can scoff away. Aren't they the fortunate ones that they or their children haven't had a severe accident on a trampoline? Aren't they fortunate? It is important that the general public understands what the risks are and knows how to take a few simple steps of precaution to prevent a tragedy or a serious injury happening.

Christmas is almost here, and while some parents may have already finished their Christmas shopping, many are still obviously out there trying to find that perfect gift for Christmas. What better way than giving a gift that encourages fun and, obviously, exercise and outdoor activity, and helps to develop improved coordination? Bouncing on trampolines is an extremely good way for kids to expend some of that pent-up energy rather than on their parents and rather than being bored and, as I said, bouncing off a wall, so to speak.

When considering purchasing a trampoline, consumers should make sure that their yard has the right amount of space required and that the surface is level and free of hazards such as fences, play equipment and garden furniture. It is also important to ensure that there is overhead clearance, to avoid objects like clothes lines, trees, wires and suchlike. Although most modern trampolines have nets to help prevent falls and pads to cover springs, the area surrounding the trampoline should be covered in soft, impact-absorbing material such as lawn, pine bark, wood chips or sand.

Many may question if a trampoline is in fact dangerous, but hundreds of kids and some adults in Australia have been taken to hospital every year for trampoline-related injuries. In fact, trampolines are the second biggest cause of hospital-related injury on play equipment, coming in just behind monkey bars. Of particular concern is the increasing number of injuries amongst really young children, less than five years of age. It is growing to about 10 per cent a year, which is most unfortunate.

It is recommended that only one child at a time play on a trampoline, as accidents are more likely to occur when there are multiple children using it. Children should also be supervised at all times and extra care should be given with younger children, as they are more prone to serious injury. Large trampolines are also not recommended for kids under six, and if you have an older trampoline and you are bringing it out for this summer, consider getting it retrofitted and ensure that the padding system is intact and that it is fully compliant with current standards. It is important to check the condition of your trampoline regularly to make sure there are no holes in the mat or net, springs are intact and securely attached, the frame is straight and well harnessed and the safety enclosure is secure and leg braces are locked.

When purchasing a new trampoline, the instructions in the box should be clear and comprehensive, and use them when you are putting it up. Assembling a trampoline is not always easy. For consumers planning on leaving the assembly for Christmas Eve, and if you are in doubt about the instructions, please go to the website and check. There is a new voluntary Australian safety standard that was introduced this year, and traders need to ensure that they are familiar with that standard. Consumers and traders can get more product safety and other consumer advice by visiting the CBS website.