Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers, would like to inform people that the State Government is putting children’s safety first by seeking community input on whether safety regulations for bunk beds need to be extended to cover short term rental accommodation.

Carolyn Male MP said the government was inviting feedback on a Regulatory Impact Statement which outlines options for consideration to reduce the risk of childhood injury associated with bunk beds.

“In 2002 a mandatory safety standard was introduced for bunk beds, however this standard was not retrospective and did not cover beds currently in use in short term rental accommodation such as holiday units and holiday camps,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“We are determined to put child safety first but we are mindful of the impact regulations can have on the business community at this tough time, therefore we are keen to seek feedback on the proposals contained in the regulatory impact statement.”

Carolyn Male MP said unsafe bunk beds continue to be implicated in injuries to children and especially to children under nine.

“Each year 450 children in Queensland are injured as a result of bunk bed accidents,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“I encourage anyone who has an interest in this issue to provide comment on the Regulatory Impact Statement by 21 December.”

Copies of the regulatory impact statement are available from my office by calling 3205 6779 or emailing pine.rivers@parliament.qld.gov.au.