Consumer Affairs Victoria has completed its annual showbag safety inspections for the 2025 Melbourne Royal Show. This is to ensure products meet mandatory safety and information standards under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
This year, inspectors checked 320 showbags and identified 15 items that did not meet safety or labelling requirements. This included:
- toys posing choking hazards for children under three years of age
- projectile toys with no warning labels - which can cause serious injuries, including eye damage or flesh wounds
- cosmetics lacking a full ingredients list - which must be included in Australia to help people with allergies or sensitive skin
- non-compliant sunglasses
Unsafe items were either removed or modified where appropriate, to meet the mandatory standards.
‘We want everyone attending the Show to know they are in safe hands’, said Laura Gardner, General Manager Investigations and Compliance at Consumer Affairs Victoria.
‘Our inspectors have the power to seize any unsafe products during the show and issue on the spot fines of up to $5,000.’
‘We’ll continue monitoring stalls throughout the 11-day event to ensure compliance.’
Serious and repeat breaches of product safety laws can lead to court action and penalties of up to $2.5 million for individuals and $50 million for companies.
Consumer Affairs Victoria has partnered with the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria to inspect showbags since the mid-1980s.
If you’re concerned about the safety of a product you’ve purchased or seen for sale, report it or call us on 1300 55 81 81.