US child pageant hits Melbourne

The Victorian government has asked the child safety commissioner to attend a child beauty pageant run by a Texas company that has been attacked for sexualising and exploiting children.

State child minister Wendy Lovell has asked for a report on the controversial event today at the Northcote Town Hall, in Melbourne, and police are keeping an eye out amid fears critics will protest.

One of Universal Royalty Beauty Pageant's key attractions is Eden Wood, 6, who stars in many of the US child pageants on the popular TV show Toddlers and Tiaras.

Australian entrants will get the chance to pose for photos with Eden, who has polarised opinion with her revealing outfits, wigs, fake nails, spray tans and heavy makeup.