❓ Minister Kobelke addresses the House regarding the sale of unsafe solar eclipse sunglasses, detailing the Department's swift action to issue a prohibition order and warning the public of the dangers of using these glasses, especially for children.
AnsweredQoN 389Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Will the minister advise the House of action taken by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection on the sale of solar eclipse sunglasses? Mr J.C. KOBELKE
AnswerView source ↗
It is appropriate to draw this matter to the attention of members, who will, I hope, take the matter seriously, and, if necessary, advise their constituents and other people they come across of this information. These glasses have been on sale in newsagents, supermarkets and schools. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! I am sure that it is good to hear an amusing comment now and then, but I am also sure that the minister is trying to get across a serious message about the appropriateness of protection that is being offered by these sunglasses. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Are you withdrawing them from sale? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: If the member will let me answer, the fact is that the sunglasses were for sale for $5, even in some schools. The instructions for them read in part that they are safe for direct solar viewing. Although members opposite might think it is not something people need to take account of, it is a serious issue for young children, who could be falsely sold these glasses. As soon as the matter was drawn to the attention of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, it sought advice from the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer, who made it very clear that these glasses are not safe for viewing the sun at the time of an eclipse, or before or after. Viewing the sun while using these glasses could result in permanent damage to the eyes. The glasses were withdrawn from sale as soon as the department could act. It acted very quickly and put in place within two days an interim prohibition order, by which time some glasses had been sold and so were in the community. People need to be aware that there is no safety provided by using these glasses. It is a shame that people are still trying to make a quick buck out of something that is likely to do permanent damage to people in this State, particularly young children. It is a very serious matter. I thank the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer for their advice and assistance. I thank the department for acting so promptly. I am sure that the measures that the department has put in place, and the statements by members, will draw to the attention of the wider community the fact that, when the eclipse occurs tomorrow afternoon, there is no safe way of looking directly at the sun. In order to protect their eyesight, people should not look directly at the sun. Glasses such as these, which are a complete sham, should not be countenanced for viewing the eclipse.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: It is appropriate to draw this matter to the attention of members, who will, I hope, take the matter seriously, and, if necessary, advise their constituents and other people they come across of this information. These glasses have been on sale in newsagents, supermarkets and schools. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! I am sure that it is good to hear an amusing comment now and then, but I am also sure that the minister is trying to get across a serious message about the appropriateness of protection that is being offered by these sunglasses. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Are you withdrawing them from sale? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: If the member will let me answer, the fact is that the sunglasses were for sale for $5, even in some schools. The instructions for them read in part that they are safe for direct solar viewing. Although members opposite might think it is not something people need to take account of, it is a serious issue for young children, who could be falsely sold these glasses. As soon as the matter was drawn to the attention of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, it sought advice from the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer, who made it very clear that these glasses are not safe for viewing the sun at the time of an eclipse, or before or after. Viewing the sun while using these glasses could result in permanent damage to the eyes. The glasses were withdrawn from sale as soon as the department could act. It acted very quickly and put in place within two days an interim prohibition order, by which time some glasses had been sold and so were in the community. People need to be aware that there is no safety provided by using these glasses. It is a shame that people are still trying to make a quick buck out of something that is likely to do permanent damage to people in this State, particularly young children. It is a very serious matter. I thank the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer for their advice and assistance. I thank the department for acting so promptly. I am sure that the measures that the department has put in place, and the statements by members, will draw to the attention of the wider community the fact that, when the eclipse occurs tomorrow afternoon, there is no safe way of looking directly at the sun. In order to protect their eyesight, people should not look directly at the sun. Glasses such as these, which are a complete sham, should not be countenanced for viewing the eclipse.
It is appropriate to draw this matter to the attention of members, who will, I hope, take the matter seriously, and, if necessary, advise their constituents and other people they come across of this information. These glasses have been on sale in newsagents, supermarkets and schools. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! I am sure that it is good to hear an amusing comment now and then, but I am also sure that the minister is trying to get across a serious message about the appropriateness of protection that is being offered by these sunglasses. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Are you withdrawing them from sale? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: If the member will let me answer, the fact is that the sunglasses were for sale for $5, even in some schools. The instructions for them read in part that they are safe for direct solar viewing. Although members opposite might think it is not something people need to take account of, it is a serious issue for young children, who could be falsely sold these glasses. As soon as the matter was drawn to the attention of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, it sought advice from the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer, who made it very clear that these glasses are not safe for viewing the sun at the time of an eclipse, or before or after. Viewing the sun while using these glasses could result in permanent damage to the eyes. The glasses were withdrawn from sale as soon as the department could act. It acted very quickly and put in place within two days an interim prohibition order, by which time some glasses had been sold and so were in the community. People need to be aware that there is no safety provided by using these glasses. It is a shame that people are still trying to make a quick buck out of something that is likely to do permanent damage to people in this State, particularly young children. It is a very serious matter. I thank the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer for their advice and assistance. I thank the department for acting so promptly. I am sure that the measures that the department has put in place, and the statements by members, will draw to the attention of the wider community the fact that, when the eclipse occurs tomorrow afternoon, there is no safe way of looking directly at the sun. In order to protect their eyesight, people should not look directly at the sun. Glasses such as these, which are a complete sham, should not be countenanced for viewing the eclipse.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! I am sure that it is good to hear an amusing comment now and then, but I am also sure that the minister is trying to get across a serious message about the appropriateness of protection that is being offered by these sunglasses. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Are you withdrawing them from sale? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: If the member will let me answer, the fact is that the sunglasses were for sale for $5, even in some schools. The instructions for them read in part that they are safe for direct solar viewing. Although members opposite might think it is not something people need to take account of, it is a serious issue for young children, who could be falsely sold these glasses. As soon as the matter was drawn to the attention of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, it sought advice from the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer, who made it very clear that these glasses are not safe for viewing the sun at the time of an eclipse, or before or after. Viewing the sun while using these glasses could result in permanent damage to the eyes. The glasses were withdrawn from sale as soon as the department could act. It acted very quickly and put in place within two days an interim prohibition order, by which time some glasses had been sold and so were in the community. People need to be aware that there is no safety provided by using these glasses. It is a shame that people are still trying to make a quick buck out of something that is likely to do permanent damage to people in this State, particularly young children. It is a very serious matter. I thank the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer for their advice and assistance. I thank the department for acting so promptly. I am sure that the measures that the department has put in place, and the statements by members, will draw to the attention of the wider community the fact that, when the eclipse occurs tomorrow afternoon, there is no safe way of looking directly at the sun. In order to protect their eyesight, people should not look directly at the sun. Glasses such as these, which are a complete sham, should not be countenanced for viewing the eclipse.
The SPEAKER: Members! I am sure that it is good to hear an amusing comment now and then, but I am also sure that the minister is trying to get across a serious message about the appropriateness of protection that is being offered by these sunglasses. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Are you withdrawing them from sale? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: If the member will let me answer, the fact is that the sunglasses were for sale for $5, even in some schools. The instructions for them read in part that they are safe for direct solar viewing. Although members opposite might think it is not something people need to take account of, it is a serious issue for young children, who could be falsely sold these glasses. As soon as the matter was drawn to the attention of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, it sought advice from the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer, who made it very clear that these glasses are not safe for viewing the sun at the time of an eclipse, or before or after. Viewing the sun while using these glasses could result in permanent damage to the eyes. The glasses were withdrawn from sale as soon as the department could act. It acted very quickly and put in place within two days an interim prohibition order, by which time some glasses had been sold and so were in the community. People need to be aware that there is no safety provided by using these glasses. It is a shame that people are still trying to make a quick buck out of something that is likely to do permanent damage to people in this State, particularly young children. It is a very serious matter. I thank the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer for their advice and assistance. I thank the department for acting so promptly. I am sure that the measures that the department has put in place, and the statements by members, will draw to the attention of the wider community the fact that, when the eclipse occurs tomorrow afternoon, there is no safe way of looking directly at the sun. In order to protect their eyesight, people should not look directly at the sun. Glasses such as these, which are a complete sham, should not be countenanced for viewing the eclipse.
Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Are you withdrawing them from sale? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: If the member will let me answer, the fact is that the sunglasses were for sale for $5, even in some schools. The instructions for them read in part that they are safe for direct solar viewing. Although members opposite might think it is not something people need to take account of, it is a serious issue for young children, who could be falsely sold these glasses. As soon as the matter was drawn to the attention of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, it sought advice from the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer, who made it very clear that these glasses are not safe for viewing the sun at the time of an eclipse, or before or after. Viewing the sun while using these glasses could result in permanent damage to the eyes. The glasses were withdrawn from sale as soon as the department could act. It acted very quickly and put in place within two days an interim prohibition order, by which time some glasses had been sold and so were in the community. People need to be aware that there is no safety provided by using these glasses. It is a shame that people are still trying to make a quick buck out of something that is likely to do permanent damage to people in this State, particularly young children. It is a very serious matter. I thank the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer for their advice and assistance. I thank the department for acting so promptly. I am sure that the measures that the department has put in place, and the statements by members, will draw to the attention of the wider community the fact that, when the eclipse occurs tomorrow afternoon, there is no safe way of looking directly at the sun. In order to protect their eyesight, people should not look directly at the sun. Glasses such as these, which are a complete sham, should not be countenanced for viewing the eclipse.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: If the member will let me answer, the fact is that the sunglasses were for sale for $5, even in some schools. The instructions for them read in part that they are safe for direct solar viewing. Although members opposite might think it is not something people need to take account of, it is a serious issue for young children, who could be falsely sold these glasses. As soon as the matter was drawn to the attention of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, it sought advice from the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer, who made it very clear that these glasses are not safe for viewing the sun at the time of an eclipse, or before or after. Viewing the sun while using these glasses could result in permanent damage to the eyes. The glasses were withdrawn from sale as soon as the department could act. It acted very quickly and put in place within two days an interim prohibition order, by which time some glasses had been sold and so were in the community. People need to be aware that there is no safety provided by using these glasses. It is a shame that people are still trying to make a quick buck out of something that is likely to do permanent damage to people in this State, particularly young children. It is a very serious matter. I thank the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer for their advice and assistance. I thank the department for acting so promptly. I am sure that the measures that the department has put in place, and the statements by members, will draw to the attention of the wider community the fact that, when the eclipse occurs tomorrow afternoon, there is no safe way of looking directly at the sun. In order to protect their eyesight, people should not look directly at the sun. Glasses such as these, which are a complete sham, should not be countenanced for viewing the eclipse.
It is a shame that people are still trying to make a quick buck out of something that is likely to do permanent damage to people in this State, particularly young children. It is a very serious matter. I thank the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer for their advice and assistance. I thank the department for acting so promptly. I am sure that the measures that the department has put in place, and the statements by members, will draw to the attention of the wider community the fact that, when the eclipse occurs tomorrow afternoon, there is no safe way of looking directly at the sun. In order to protect their eyesight, people should not look directly at the sun. Glasses such as these, which are a complete sham, should not be countenanced for viewing the eclipse.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: It is appropriate to draw this matter to the attention of members, who will, I hope, take the matter seriously, and, if necessary, advise their constituents and other people they come across of this information. These glasses have been on sale in newsagents, supermarkets and schools. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! I am sure that it is good to hear an amusing comment now and then, but I am also sure that the minister is trying to get across a serious message about the appropriateness of protection that is being offered by these sunglasses. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Are you withdrawing them from sale? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: If the member will let me answer, the fact is that the sunglasses were for sale for $5, even in some schools. The instructions for them read in part that they are safe for direct solar viewing. Although members opposite might think it is not something people need to take account of, it is a serious issue for young children, who could be falsely sold these glasses. As soon as the matter was drawn to the attention of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, it sought advice from the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer, who made it very clear that these glasses are not safe for viewing the sun at the time of an eclipse, or before or after. Viewing the sun while using these glasses could result in permanent damage to the eyes. The glasses were withdrawn from sale as soon as the department could act. It acted very quickly and put in place within two days an interim prohibition order, by which time some glasses had been sold and so were in the community. People need to be aware that there is no safety provided by using these glasses. It is a shame that people are still trying to make a quick buck out of something that is likely to do permanent damage to people in this State, particularly young children. It is a very serious matter. I thank the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer for their advice and assistance. I thank the department for acting so promptly. I am sure that the measures that the department has put in place, and the statements by members, will draw to the attention of the wider community the fact that, when the eclipse occurs tomorrow afternoon, there is no safe way of looking directly at the sun. In order to protect their eyesight, people should not look directly at the sun. Glasses such as these, which are a complete sham, should not be countenanced for viewing the eclipse.
It is appropriate to draw this matter to the attention of members, who will, I hope, take the matter seriously, and, if necessary, advise their constituents and other people they come across of this information. These glasses have been on sale in newsagents, supermarkets and schools. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! I am sure that it is good to hear an amusing comment now and then, but I am also sure that the minister is trying to get across a serious message about the appropriateness of protection that is being offered by these sunglasses. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Are you withdrawing them from sale? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: If the member will let me answer, the fact is that the sunglasses were for sale for $5, even in some schools. The instructions for them read in part that they are safe for direct solar viewing. Although members opposite might think it is not something people need to take account of, it is a serious issue for young children, who could be falsely sold these glasses. As soon as the matter was drawn to the attention of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, it sought advice from the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer, who made it very clear that these glasses are not safe for viewing the sun at the time of an eclipse, or before or after. Viewing the sun while using these glasses could result in permanent damage to the eyes. The glasses were withdrawn from sale as soon as the department could act. It acted very quickly and put in place within two days an interim prohibition order, by which time some glasses had been sold and so were in the community. People need to be aware that there is no safety provided by using these glasses. It is a shame that people are still trying to make a quick buck out of something that is likely to do permanent damage to people in this State, particularly young children. It is a very serious matter. I thank the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer for their advice and assistance. I thank the department for acting so promptly. I am sure that the measures that the department has put in place, and the statements by members, will draw to the attention of the wider community the fact that, when the eclipse occurs tomorrow afternoon, there is no safe way of looking directly at the sun. In order to protect their eyesight, people should not look directly at the sun. Glasses such as these, which are a complete sham, should not be countenanced for viewing the eclipse.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! I am sure that it is good to hear an amusing comment now and then, but I am also sure that the minister is trying to get across a serious message about the appropriateness of protection that is being offered by these sunglasses. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Are you withdrawing them from sale? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: If the member will let me answer, the fact is that the sunglasses were for sale for $5, even in some schools. The instructions for them read in part that they are safe for direct solar viewing. Although members opposite might think it is not something people need to take account of, it is a serious issue for young children, who could be falsely sold these glasses. As soon as the matter was drawn to the attention of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, it sought advice from the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer, who made it very clear that these glasses are not safe for viewing the sun at the time of an eclipse, or before or after. Viewing the sun while using these glasses could result in permanent damage to the eyes. The glasses were withdrawn from sale as soon as the department could act. It acted very quickly and put in place within two days an interim prohibition order, by which time some glasses had been sold and so were in the community. People need to be aware that there is no safety provided by using these glasses. It is a shame that people are still trying to make a quick buck out of something that is likely to do permanent damage to people in this State, particularly young children. It is a very serious matter. I thank the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer for their advice and assistance. I thank the department for acting so promptly. I am sure that the measures that the department has put in place, and the statements by members, will draw to the attention of the wider community the fact that, when the eclipse occurs tomorrow afternoon, there is no safe way of looking directly at the sun. In order to protect their eyesight, people should not look directly at the sun. Glasses such as these, which are a complete sham, should not be countenanced for viewing the eclipse.
The SPEAKER: Members! I am sure that it is good to hear an amusing comment now and then, but I am also sure that the minister is trying to get across a serious message about the appropriateness of protection that is being offered by these sunglasses. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Are you withdrawing them from sale? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: If the member will let me answer, the fact is that the sunglasses were for sale for $5, even in some schools. The instructions for them read in part that they are safe for direct solar viewing. Although members opposite might think it is not something people need to take account of, it is a serious issue for young children, who could be falsely sold these glasses. As soon as the matter was drawn to the attention of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, it sought advice from the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer, who made it very clear that these glasses are not safe for viewing the sun at the time of an eclipse, or before or after. Viewing the sun while using these glasses could result in permanent damage to the eyes. The glasses were withdrawn from sale as soon as the department could act. It acted very quickly and put in place within two days an interim prohibition order, by which time some glasses had been sold and so were in the community. People need to be aware that there is no safety provided by using these glasses. It is a shame that people are still trying to make a quick buck out of something that is likely to do permanent damage to people in this State, particularly young children. It is a very serious matter. I thank the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer for their advice and assistance. I thank the department for acting so promptly. I am sure that the measures that the department has put in place, and the statements by members, will draw to the attention of the wider community the fact that, when the eclipse occurs tomorrow afternoon, there is no safe way of looking directly at the sun. In order to protect their eyesight, people should not look directly at the sun. Glasses such as these, which are a complete sham, should not be countenanced for viewing the eclipse.
Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Are you withdrawing them from sale? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: If the member will let me answer, the fact is that the sunglasses were for sale for $5, even in some schools. The instructions for them read in part that they are safe for direct solar viewing. Although members opposite might think it is not something people need to take account of, it is a serious issue for young children, who could be falsely sold these glasses. As soon as the matter was drawn to the attention of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, it sought advice from the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer, who made it very clear that these glasses are not safe for viewing the sun at the time of an eclipse, or before or after. Viewing the sun while using these glasses could result in permanent damage to the eyes. The glasses were withdrawn from sale as soon as the department could act. It acted very quickly and put in place within two days an interim prohibition order, by which time some glasses had been sold and so were in the community. People need to be aware that there is no safety provided by using these glasses. It is a shame that people are still trying to make a quick buck out of something that is likely to do permanent damage to people in this State, particularly young children. It is a very serious matter. I thank the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer for their advice and assistance. I thank the department for acting so promptly. I am sure that the measures that the department has put in place, and the statements by members, will draw to the attention of the wider community the fact that, when the eclipse occurs tomorrow afternoon, there is no safe way of looking directly at the sun. In order to protect their eyesight, people should not look directly at the sun. Glasses such as these, which are a complete sham, should not be countenanced for viewing the eclipse.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: If the member will let me answer, the fact is that the sunglasses were for sale for $5, even in some schools. The instructions for them read in part that they are safe for direct solar viewing. Although members opposite might think it is not something people need to take account of, it is a serious issue for young children, who could be falsely sold these glasses. As soon as the matter was drawn to the attention of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, it sought advice from the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer, who made it very clear that these glasses are not safe for viewing the sun at the time of an eclipse, or before or after. Viewing the sun while using these glasses could result in permanent damage to the eyes. The glasses were withdrawn from sale as soon as the department could act. It acted very quickly and put in place within two days an interim prohibition order, by which time some glasses had been sold and so were in the community. People need to be aware that there is no safety provided by using these glasses. It is a shame that people are still trying to make a quick buck out of something that is likely to do permanent damage to people in this State, particularly young children. It is a very serious matter. I thank the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer for their advice and assistance. I thank the department for acting so promptly. I am sure that the measures that the department has put in place, and the statements by members, will draw to the attention of the wider community the fact that, when the eclipse occurs tomorrow afternoon, there is no safe way of looking directly at the sun. In order to protect their eyesight, people should not look directly at the sun. Glasses such as these, which are a complete sham, should not be countenanced for viewing the eclipse.
It is a shame that people are still trying to make a quick buck out of something that is likely to do permanent damage to people in this State, particularly young children. It is a very serious matter. I thank the Lions Eye Institute and the Government Astronomer for their advice and assistance. I thank the department for acting so promptly. I am sure that the measures that the department has put in place, and the statements by members, will draw to the attention of the wider community the fact that, when the eclipse occurs tomorrow afternoon, there is no safe way of looking directly at the sun. In order to protect their eyesight, people should not look directly at the sun. Glasses such as these, which are a complete sham, should not be countenanced for viewing the eclipse.
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