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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 4 Hansard (8 May) . . Page.. 1185 ..

Debate resumed.

MR HIRD: We have just spent $320,000 on a skateboard park in Civic. Funds are being provided by the Minister for Urban Services for a similar facility in Tuggeranong, as mentioned by my colleague. What has it achieved? We still have skateboard riders harassing pedestrians and shoppers in our shopping centres. We only have to look outside our own building to see the way pedestrians are being put at risk in Civic Square.

Ms Tucker: So we have a go-slow zone.

MR HIRD: Indeed, a skateboarder broke glass windows in the last two weeks, as you would know. The committee would have us believe that skateboards are not a danger to anyone. It has relied on information from police and health services that injuries are non-existent. These agencies do not have any recorded evidence because they do not have the legislative power to act on complaints. What better evidence could the committee have had than the first-hand information of injuries put forward to the inquiry by me and a prominent Civic businessman, the eminent chemist, Mr Pat Develin? The evidence is noted in the report, but apparently it has been ignored. Police would have evidence if they had the power and the legislative backing to investigate complaints by pedestrians against skateboarders.

The committee has recognised that the use of skateboards and in-line skates around shops has become more prevalent in recent times and there is a growing concern amongst pedestrians, particularly older people, about their safety. Why, then, is the committee afraid to bite the bullet and recommend appropriate action to resolve this growing problem within our community? Legislation should be introduced similar to that which bans the riding of bicycles within 10 metres of shops, Mr Speaker.

Mr Stefaniak: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I note that there is a lot of noise in the chamber. I think the member has a right to be heard in peace.

MR SPEAKER: I uphold the point of order. I think members are skating very close to exhausting my patience. Continue, Mr Hird.

MR HIRD: I thank the Minister for his protection, but I assure him that I can more than acquit myself. Mr Speaker, this report makes mileage out of the fact that the bicycle legislation is not being enforced and, as a result, skateboard legislation will not be policed. That may be so. But, if legislation is in place, pedestrians who are injured will have the right of some redress and police will be able to act against offenders. If there is a breach of the law, accidents can be reported. In recommending a go-slow zone, Mr Speaker - - -

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