Visitors to the Melbourne Royal Show this month can be assured showbags are safe after this year’s collection underwent mandatory inspections.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Danny Pearson today visited the Melbourne Showgrounds to help launch the showbags and thanked Consumer Affairs Victoria inspectors for playing their critical role in keeping the community safe.

Inspectors examined more than 390 showbags in line with safety standards under the Australian Consumer Law, checking more than 2,700 individual items.

The inspections uncovered 13 items that failed to meet either mandatory safety or information standards, with these items since being replaced.

Consumer Affairs Victoria has worked with the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria to inspect showbags since the mid-1980s. Under Australian Consumer Law, it is illegal to supply products that do not meet mandatory safety or information standards.

Businesses found with unsafe products can receive $5,000 on-the-spot fines, while 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. `

Inspectors will be at the Melbourne Royal Show throughout the 11-day event making sure that showbags and stalls continue to comply with product safety laws.

Attendance at last year’s show topped 500,000 and 2023 marks the 175th year of the much-loved event.

The Melbourne Royal Show runs from 21 September to 1 October at the Melbourne Showgrounds.