- Minister for Health
The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on its promise to provide Victorian families with free, expert child car seat fittings and safety checks to keep their little passengers safe.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos today announced Kidsafe Victoria and Neighbourhood Houses Victoria will join forces to deliver the $4 million program promised by the Labor Government.
From next month, parents will be able to register to attend a free child car seat fitting and safety check event at a nearby neighbourhood house or community organisation.
All parents are welcome to attend – whether they’re fitting a seat for the first time, installing a booster or just wanting a safety check of their existing car seat for peace of mind.
About 70 per cent of child car restraints are not fitted or used correctly – making injury up to seven times more likely.
While there’s nothing more important than child safety, the costs of fitting seats correctly can be a burden for some families. A standard fitting can cost up to $40 for each seat, but that figure can rise once a child moves from a rear-facing seat to a front-facing seat, grows into a booster seat, or shifts seats for siblings.
It’s all part of the Labor Government’s $213 million package aimed at giving parents the support they need to give their kids the best start in life. We’re also building new parenting centres, funding more maternal and child health nurses, and providing round-the-clock specialist sleep advice.
The Government is also providing free baby bundles to about 35,000 new parents each year, with all the essentials they need to help them survive the precious but challenging first few months.
For more information visit kidsafevic.com.au/road-safety
As noted by Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“Bringing your baby home for the first time can be daunting, but we’re making it just that little bit easier, and making sure your precious cargo is safe and secure out on the road.”
“There’s nothing more important than the safety of our kids, and it’s crucial that child car seats are fitted by the experts.”
