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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-06-02 Daily Xml
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BLIND CORDS

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:54): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Consumer Affairs a question about blind cords.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: Earlier this year the minister informed the council of a new standard with which traders needed to comply in relation to blind cords. Will the minister advise the chamber how traders have been adjusting to these new requirements?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (14:54): Most unfortunately I have to report that some retailers have shown complete disregard for children's safety and the new mandatory standard brought in earlier this year. Five big name curtain and blind retailers have been found selling banned pre-packaged blind products, with one retailer offering three non-compliant products for sale.

These safety requirements have been in place for nearly five months now, so businesses have had ample time to ensure that they are compliant. We are not talking about small businesses here; the non-compliant retailers are large traders that should have in place processes to effect these very important changes. It is extremely poor that three of the businesses were warned by OCBA four months ago about stocking non-compliant products; they were given a fair go then, yet here they are again selling banned items.

The retailers have stocked products without the correct warning labels or instructions, a critical part of the safety requirement, as recommended by the Coroner. Blind and curtain cord products that do not comply with labelling safety requirements are considered dangerous goods and are, effectively, banned from sale and supply in South Australia. OCBA is investigating non-compliance and taking the next steps in the legal process with a view to prosecution. Retailers caught selling banned products despite previous warnings could be subject to fines of up to $10,000 under the Trade Standards Act 1979.

Since 2000, the deaths of at least 10 toddlers in Australia have been linked to looped blind cords, and the new bans were brought in to protect children through tighter regulations on the sale of potentially hazardous blind cords. Information about the requirements for blind cords and curtains can be found on the website of the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs.

I take this opportunity to remind traders that the ban requires the bottom of looped blind or curtain cords to be at least 1.6 metres from the base of the blind or curtain; alternatively, safety devices must be fitted. These devices can include the two-pronged hook or tension device for the cord or a cord break-away device. Warning labels must also be attached to blinds or curtains that are sold or installed.

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