Page 2749 - Week 09 - Thursday, 27 September 2007
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for the authorities to take measures. Nevertheless, let us look at some of the measures they have taken, some aspects of which could be applicable in combating the problem here in the ACT.
Patrols are conducted at least twice a week to clear rocks away from the verges of roadways where it is known that rock throwing at cars is common. Low shrubs under two metres are removed in such areas; trees over two metres are trimmed; thorny ground cover is planted where applicable; there is stronger provision of lighting; and there is engagement with the community in crime prevention. The message here is quite simple: future offenders will be easily seen, there is nowhere for them to hide and their activities will be impeded.
As I say, that is a particular case which does not have much applicability here in the ACT. However, measures being taken there might give this minister some ideas regarding areas here where we know that rock throwing is fairly prevalent. In the Northern Territory, where police patrols target known areas for incidences of rock throwing, the number of reported incidents have substantially decreased.
In New South Wales, under the traffic act, rock throwing attracts a fine for those caught, and there are other related offences which can be taken up by the judiciary where necessary. As I said, in the last week the New South Wales Premier has increased penalties. The New South Wales government realise that, with a couple of people lying in hospital, one in a coma at least for a time, it is now beyond a joke.
In the city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, local authorities have approved the expenditure of $100,000 for cameras to be installed on a street known to have high rock throwing incidence. Again, that is a particular case and not necessarily very applicable to the ACT, but there are some ideas there.
MR CORBELL (Molonglo—Attorney-General, Minister for Police and Emergency Services) (10.58): I move the amendment circulated in my name:
Omit all words after “ACT” in paragraph (1), substitute:
“(2) calls on the Government to commission an independent study to investigate the trend of rock throwing against moving vehicles covering issues such as, but not limited to, the psychological and sociological reasons motivating this type of behaviour, effectiveness of legislative and policing responses to date and possible future measures to address this behaviour.”.
The government is deeply concerned about the phenomenon of throwing rocks and other objects at moving traffic. I condemn, and the government condemns, those who seek to make sport of innocent people, and call on these individuals to consider the impact they have on their victims when they engage in this behaviour. I also indicate the government’s full support for ACT Policing and the Director of Public Prosecutions in their efforts to investigate and prosecute these crimes.
The safety of road users, including ACTION’s passengers and drivers, is of prime concern to the government, to the police and to ACTION management. It is
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