Page 778 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 29 March 2006
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The topic is an interesting one, but I think there is more that can be done than just rhetoric. I suggest that the comments on and the enthusiasm shown for this topic—and I am pleased that Ms MacDonald is such an enthusiast of the subject—ought to be translated into action. I would certainly implore her to use her enthusiasm for this subject to persuade her ministerial colleagues to take up some tangible, constructive measures that will have a real and determined effect in reducing the horrific damage that occurs on our roads and leads to the loss of so many young people.
Yes, there are other things we can do in the territory. We can put in tougher standards in terms of the issuing of licences. I know we are trying to always have uniformity in Australia, but somebody needs to lead the way and the opportunity exists for our territory government, in this vital area where there is widespread community support when reforms are introduced, to demonstrate that we are going to grasp the nettle and take some tough decisions to reduce our road toll.
MS MacDONALD (Brindabella) (3.45), in reply: I would like to thank members for their contributions to this debate and their support of the motion, where it is supported. I am a bit confused because Mr Pratt waited until the very end of his speech to say that the opposition would not be supporting this motion. I am curious to know why, because he did not really explain what he has against the motion. Let me just remind the house that the motion states that this Assembly:
(1) recognises that driver inattention and speed are major contributors to road accidents;
(2) expresses concern that some drivers continue to drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol in spite of the overwhelming evidence that these substances reduce drivers’ abilities to judge, concentrate and react to road situations;
I am not sure exactly where Mr Pratt or the opposition have a problem with those two paragraphs. Then:
(3) acknowledges that keeping ACT roads safe is a shared responsibility;
I think we would all agree that the government cannot be in everybody’s car keeping them awake at all times. Then:
(4) urges drivers, riders, cyclists, pedestrians and anyone else who uses our roads to remain vigilant regarding road safety, particularly during holiday periods;
(5) notes that the 2005-2006 ACT Road Safety Action Plan identifies key actions that aim to reduce deaths and injuries on ACT roads; and
(6) recognises the important role education or road safety programs and initiatives play in increasing road users’ skills and raising awareness about road safety practices in the ACT.
On those last three paragraphs, you could always say, as Mr Pratt has done, that more can be done; of course there is always more that can be done in any area that we look at in this place. However, I do not see where the issues lie such that the opposition would
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