Transport Legislation (Road Safety and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
Referred to Transport and Public Works Committee
▸34 members spoke31 support3 mixed
Spoke in support of the bill's road safety improvements including drink-driving sentencing and rehabilitation measures.
“I rise to speak in support of this bill. This bill addresses a number of important road safety issues. It delivers some crucial improvements to sentencing and rehabilitation of drink-drivers.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
As Minister for Transport and Main Roads, introduced and moved the bill, outlining its drink-driving reforms, interlock program enhancements, and point-to-point speed camera provisions.
“The intention of this package of reforms is to decrease the amount of drink-driving in Queensland. It will also facilitate offenders learning to separate their drinking from driving.”— 2019-09-03View Hansard
Stated the LNP would not oppose the bill but raised concerns about the roadworks speed reduction provisions and the growing road maintenance backlog.
“The LNP has and always will advocate for measures to make Queensland roads safer. Therefore, the LNP will not be opposing the bill.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
As opposition transport spokesperson, announced LNP support for the bill while questioning whether point-to-point cameras would be clearly signed, noting LNP policy differs from Labor on camera visibility.
“At the outset, I will state that the LNP will be supporting the Transport Legislation (Road Safety and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019. Given that the LNP has always advocated for sensible and practical measures that are designed to reduce accidents on Queensland roads, the opposition's position will not be to oppose the bill.”— 2019-09-03View Hansard
Supported the bill's road safety initiatives and praised the government's investment in local road infrastructure.
“Logan residents value road safety. They value the initiatives in this bill and we will continue together to fight for road safety through this legislation and investment in our road network.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
As committee chair, supported the bill's drink-driving reforms including enhanced interlock program, education programs for offenders, and expansion to include mid-range drink-drivers.
“I do not think anyone would fail to support this legislation when we are talking about drink-driving and the safety of people on our roads.”— 2019-09-03View Hansard
Acknowledged the work of Main Roads officers and raised concerns about registration enforcement issues for regional Queenslanders, without clearly stating overall support or opposition.
“I bring to the attention of the House that this is a problem that needs to be addressed.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Supported the bill's road safety objectives, drawing on personal experience attending road accidents to emphasise the devastating impact of speeding and drink-driving on families and communities.
“If we can do anything to stop the road tragedies, especially because of texting, then we should do it.”— 2019-09-03View Hansard
As Minister for Police, supported the bill's measures to improve road safety, particularly provisions to keep regional Queenslanders safe from reckless drivers.
“Road safety should be of everyday importance to all of us. So many lives are lost on our roads. So many lives are lost needlessly.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Supported the bill's education programs and interlock enhancements, noting the bipartisan support and positive consultation with stakeholders including RACQ and Queensland Law Society.
“It is good to see bipartisan support for a bill such as this, which will go a long way to changing the culture of drink-driving even more.”— 2019-09-03View Hansard
Supported the bill as someone representing a regional electorate where driving is a necessity, while raising concerns about underfunding of road maintenance.
“I support the bill. Living in the seat of Gregory, a part of Queensland where driving is a necessity, the people I represent would support anything that improves road safety.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Supported the bill's intent to enhance road safety while expressing concerns that point-to-point cameras should be properly signed to avoid public perception of revenue-raising.
“In closing, I support the intent of this bill to make our roads safer and the other matters covered in this bill.”— 2019-09-03View Hansard
Supported the bill's amendments to improve road safety, particularly for communities in remote Cape York where road conditions are challenging.
“When it comes to road safety, we all have a responsibility to keep ourselves and those around us safe.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Supported the bill's interlock expansion to mid-range drink-drivers and education programs, while criticising the federal government's weakened National Alcohol Strategy influenced by the alcohol lobby.
“This legislation creates a vital intervention point for those people, and I commend it to the House.”— 2019-09-03View Hansard
Supported the bill with personal accounts of road fatalities in the Mackay region, emphasising the need to reduce deaths and serious injuries.
“It is time to make our roads safer. I commend the bill to the House.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Agreed with the bill's intent but raised concerns about unintended consequences for rural and remote areas, questioning whether speeding on remote open roads has the same risk as in cities and whether interlock servicing requirements would disadvantage remote communities.
“I agree with the intent of the bill and I see what the minister is trying to do. That is worthwhile but I would ask the minister to be mindful of how that impacts those areas and to watch closely the rollout of the interlocking device in places like Doomadgee or Mornington.”— 2019-09-03View Hansard
Did not oppose the bill, emphasising that driving is a privilege not a right and that the road toll must be reduced.
“Getting behind the wheel of a car is a privilege granted by the community. It is not a right but a responsibility.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Drew on 28 years experience as a paramedic to strongly support the bill's road safety measures, highlighting the devastating impact of drink-driving and speeding witnessed firsthand at accident scenes.
“I applaud any steps taken by our government to reduce the number of people killed or injured on our Queensland roads.”— 2019-09-03View Hansard
Supported the bill's amendments as critical steps in reducing road deaths and injuries on Queensland roads.
“Please do not drive distracted, please do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please buckle up, please do not drive tired and please do not speed.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Supported road safety initiatives while expressing frustration at dangerous motorcycle behaviour on local roads, calling for police to use any tactic necessary to stop speeding and reckless driving.
“I clearly support any initiative that improves road safety not only in Glass House but also across the state.”— 2019-09-03View Hansard
Raised concerns that aspects of the bill were vindictive and counterproductive, recommending a review of measures, but ultimately commended the bill to the House.
“I would strongly recommend the government review the measures and reassess whether the existing rehabilitation and education measures can be managed better without resorting to the big stick approach straight up.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Drew on nursing experience in rehabilitation units to support the bill, praising its evidence-based approach to driver education endorsed by the World Health Organization.
“The changed approaches in relation to the interlock device will ultimately get more people participating in the interlock program and ultimately that will mean fewer people drinking and driving on our roads.”— 2019-09-03View Hansard
Supported the bill, drawing on her experience as a former police officer attending road fatalities and emphasising the importance of stricter drink-driving measures.
“There are far worse consequences of drink-driving than having trouble finding a job. The number of Queenslanders we lose every year because someone made the wrong decision is appalling.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Supported the bill as sensible, drawing on experience attending funerals of young people killed through speeding or drink-driving, and suggested the new Toowoomba range crossing as a candidate for point-to-point cameras.
“The bill is a very sensible bill and, obviously, I will be supporting the bill.”— 2019-09-03View Hansard
Commended the bill to the House, supporting the government's ambitious target to reduce the road toll by 30 per cent.
“We owe it to all of them to do all we can to reduce the road toll.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Supported the bill's measures to address road deaths and injuries, particularly its drink-driving and licence disqualification provisions.
“The statistics show why this legislation needs to be passed.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Expressed strong support for road safety measures while flagging concerns about specific provisions, describing the bill as non-contentious.
“I say at the outset that I am very supportive of any measures that make our roads safer for everybody travelling on them.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Supported the bill while arguing it was not a silver bullet, calling for more investment in road infrastructure.
“We are not opposing the bill, but it is not a silver bullet to improve driver behaviour and road safety. More must be done to improve infrastructure.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
As a former police officer who witnessed devastating road trauma, implored all members to support the legislation to make Queensland roads safer.
“I implore all members to support this legislation and to stand together to make Queensland roads safer.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Supported the bill, thanking committee colleagues for their work and acknowledging road safety as a critical issue.
“I support the bill and I commend it to the House.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Supported the bill's drink-driving initiatives while raising concerns about some areas, welcoming bipartisan cooperation on road safety.
“It is indeed a great day when members in this place can come forward and in good faith put forward policies that can help make the lives of our magnificent Queenslanders safer for generations to come.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Supported the bill's practical measures to reduce road trauma, noting the LNP would not oppose it.
“I note at the outset that the LNP will not be opposing this bill because we support practical measures that reduce road trauma on Queensland roads.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Supported the bill while highlighting the growing road maintenance backlog and its impact on road safety in regional Queensland.
“Speeding continues to be a significant factor in crashes. I will go a bit further to say that, unfortunately, so does the condition of our roads.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
As Transport Minister, replied to the debate thanking all members for their contributions and commending the bill as a very good piece of road safety legislation.
“This is a very good bill. It has taken a lot of work. I commend the bill to the House.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill strengthens Queensland's approach to road safety by significantly reforming drink driving laws and improving speed camera enforcement. It extends the alcohol interlock program from 2 to 5 years, requires drink drivers to complete education programs, and expands the program to capture mid-range offenders. The bill also enables point-to-point speed cameras on roads with variable speed limits and improves marine pollution cost recovery processes.
Who it affects
Drink drivers face much tougher requirements including longer interlock periods and mandatory education. All motorists are affected by expanded speed camera enforcement on managed motorways. Local governments and Commonwealth agencies benefit from streamlined marine pollution cost recovery.
Drink driving reforms
The bill transforms Queensland's approach to drink driving by extending the interlock period from 2 to 5 years for those who choose not to participate, and introducing a performance-based approach. Mid-range drink drivers (0.10-0.149 BAC) are now included. Two new education programs are mandatory: an online Brief Intervention program for first offenders and an intensive face-to-face Repeat Offender program for reoffending within 5 years.
- Interlock period extended from 2 to 5 years for non-participants
- Mid-range drink drivers (0.10-0.149 BAC) now included in interlock program
- Mandatory online Brief Intervention Education Program for first offenders ($10 fee)
- Mandatory face-to-face Repeat Offender Education Program for reoffenders within 5 years
- Performance-based approach requiring 4 consecutive months of clean tests before interlock removal
Speed camera enforcement
Point-to-point speed cameras can now operate on roads with multiple or variable speed limits, such as managed motorways and roadwork zones. The highest or average speed limit for the stretch will be enforced. Mobile cameras can also operate on roads with variable speed limit signs.
- Point-to-point cameras enabled on roads with multiple speed limits
- Highest or average speed limit applies for enforcement calculations
- Mobile cameras can operate on roads with variable speed limit signs
- Formula for calculating average speed adopted from NSW legislation
Marine pollution cost recovery
The State can now recover marine pollution response costs on behalf of local governments and Commonwealth entities, not just port authorities. This streamlines the recovery process after pollution incidents.
- State can recover pollution costs for local governments and Commonwealth agencies
- Eliminates need for separate legal action by each responding entity
- Aligns with international conventions on pollution cost recovery
Administrative improvements
Various transport administration processes are streamlined, including online nomination for camera-detected offences, consolidated evidentiary provisions, and modernised road corridor permit applications.
- Online nomination available for camera-detected offences (replacing statutory declarations)
- Driver licensing decisions require internal review before QCAT appeal
- Road corridor permits can be applied for online
- Evidentiary provisions consolidated and streamlined for court proceedings