Perth Royal Show: kids get a sneak peak at 268 showbags

MORE than 50 primary school and Telethon Speech and Hearing Centre students helped inspect 268 showbags today ahead of this year’s Perth Royal Show.

Takari Primary School in Balcatta and Tuart Hill Primary School students were among the showbag inspectors at the event.

Among the showbags that were approved were classics such as Bertie Beetle and AFL showbags plus children favourites including Peppa Pig and Hello Kitty.

Royal Agricultural Society of WA president Rob Wilson said a range of schools attended the inspection.

“It is similar to a lot of other years where we let children come in and choose their bags and have some idea of what has been offered,” he said.

“What is a little bit different this year is that there are some children here today (who) have won a competition.”

Mr Wilson said the bags were checked by the Department of Consumer Affairs for safety and were ready for the show.

“There are a range of prices, some are still very cheap that are $10 or lower and of course, there are the super expensive ones,” he said.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said some issues had been found in a few showbags.

“The officers found eight showbags containing cosmetics, toiletries and temporary tattoos that did not have the correct labels listing the ingredients as required by product safety regulations,” he said.

“The labelling issues have been quickly rectified by the suppliers in time for the start of the Show, so all showbags on sale have now been deemed safe for children by complying fully with Australian safety standards.

“Particular attention was paid to items containing button batteries, but all battery compartments were found to be secured.”

Mr Wilson said he was excited for the show, which is held from September 24 to October 1.

“We are very busy at the moment but we are looking forward to a really good show with a lot of value for people to enjoy when they come along,” he said.