Page 3948 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 23 October 1990
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in accordance with the 10-point safety plan that our Government has agreed to participate in. Of course, we receive a not inconsiderable sum of money from the Federal coffers for participating in that program.
This amendment Bill provides for a 60 to 70 per cent increase in the level of all traffic infringement fines and this equates with the consumer price index increase of 67 per cent since the fines were first introduced. Fines for similar offences in other States have been considerably higher than our present levels. This Bill brings us more generally into line with other States, with the exception of fines for speeding in New South Wales which you, Mr Deputy Speaker, have identified as being higher. In New South Wales fines for exceeding the speed limit have been increased more than fines for any other traffic offence. This is largely because of the recent spate of crashes on the Hume Highway and other major New South Wales roads.
It should also be said, Mr Deputy Speaker, that increasing on-the-spot traffic fines has no relevance to gaol sentences for non-payment of fines as has been suggested by Mrs Grassby. I would suggest that those sorts of arguments have been well and truly put to rest by my colleague Mr Collaery and also Mr Stefaniak. Gaol sentences may be imposed for non-payment of fines which have been ordered following convictions in a court. Of themselves, traffic infringements do not attract court convictions.
This Bill, Mr Speaker, is part of the Government's ongoing commitment to improve road safety and reduce the road toll in the ACT even further than what it is at the moment. The increased penalties complement such measures as increased enforcement of seat belt restraint wearing, graduated licences for novice drivers, and continued road safety education programs in the school. It is for that reason, Mr Speaker, that I commend the Bill to the Assembly.
Debate interrupted.
ADJOURNMENT
MR SPEAKER: It being close to 9.30 pm, I propose the question:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Mr Collaery: Mr Speaker, I require the question to be put forthwith without debate.
Question resolved in the negative.
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