Tow Truck Bill 2023

Supported the bill's maximum fee provisions, arguing they protect vulnerable motorists from excessive charges while maintaining industry viability.

“I am really pleased to speak about the maximum fee provisions in the bill... The maximum fee ensures motorists are paying a fair amount and do not need to consider competing quotes at what can be a very stressful time.”— 2023-10-26View Hansard

As Minister for Transport, introduced and commended the bill as delivering a modern tow truck scheme that protects motorists while supporting a responsive, efficient and safe industry.

“This bill provides a modern legislative framework that supports a responsive, efficient and safe tow truck industry while delivering positive outcomes for the community.”— 2023-10-25View Hansard

Praised the bill for setting fair regulated fees and highlighted the important role tow truck operators play in anti-hooning efforts and road safety.

“We work with the tow truck drivers and we set fair and regulated fees... I say that these laws are important and I say that the partnership we have with companies such as Harvey's Towing, which tows hoon cars off the streets of Logan, is important in our Queensland society.”— 2023-10-26View Hansard

As Shadow Minister, stated the LNP will not oppose the bill but raised concerns about rushed consultation, five-year delay after reviews, and penalties for vehicle damage that may increase accident clearance times.

“We will not be opposing the passing of the bill, but I want to use my time as the shadow minister to highlight some of these concerns.”— 2023-10-25View Hansard

Supported the bill as achieving the right balance between commercial interests and consumer protection, particularly the maximum fee provisions.

“I support the bill. I think it is an outstanding bill. Well done to the minister and to the committee for its inquiry and recommendations.”— 2023-10-26View Hansard

As committee chair, supported the bill to modernise the 50-year-old legislation and described tow truck operators as 'heroes of the highway' while noting the committee's recommendations for natural justice safeguards and an industry peak body.

“I just have to say that they are more like the heroes of the highway. When I heard that I thought it was a little bit unfair, because they are out there doing a job and they are trying to keep us safe and get us home safe.”— 2023-10-25View Hansard

Acknowledged the importance of the bill but raised concerns about inadequate consultation, unclear criteria for appropriate persons, and potential issues with undesirable behaviours not addressed in the legislation.

“The opposition acknowledges the importance of passing the bill but is committed to highlighting the industry's concerns. These concerns pertain, as I have mentioned, to the lack of consultation, the potential issues within the legislation and the timeliness of the proposed changes.”— 2023-10-26View Hansard

As committee deputy chair, supported the intent of the bill but expressed concerns about lack of consultation with regional operators, reversed onus of proof provisions, and new penalties for vehicle damage that may discourage attendance at stranded EVs.

“The committee recommended that the bill be passed despite these reservations. Similarly, the LNP supports the intent of the bill.”— 2023-10-25View Hansard

Supported the bill for modernising the tow truck scheme, maintaining the regulatory framework while improving structure, terminology and penalties.

“I rise to speak in support of the Palaszczuk government's Tow Truck Bill 2023... this bill modernises Queensland's tow truck scheme and makes it fit for purpose.”— 2023-10-26View Hansard

Supported the bill as a significant step forward in protecting vulnerable motorists and the tow truck industry, highlighting the importance of tow truck operators as first responders.

“This bill represents a significant step forward in the Palaszczuk government's ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable motorists and the tow truck industry.”— 2023-10-25View Hansard

Commended the bill for protecting vulnerable motorists while supporting the professional tow truck industry, emphasising the need to stamp out bribery and incentive practices.

“I would like to send a shout-out to the hardworking tow truck drivers and companies who do a professional and skilful job in high stress situations. We need to protect the reputation of these great people and their businesses, especially those people who are doing the right thing.”— 2023-10-26View Hansard

Supported the bill as necessary modernisation of the 1973 act, detailing the increased penalties for various offences and improved accountability measures for the industry.

“The Tow Truck Act 1973 will be replaced by the Tow Truck Bill 2023. As I said earlier, it will modernise the tow truck industry in Queensland and address emerging operational concerns.”— 2023-10-25View Hansard

Supported the bill as achieving the right balance between industry viability and protection of vulnerable motorists, particularly strengthening bribery protections.

“This bill gets the balance right. It achieves a good balance between ensuring that our roads get cleared in good time and that there is an appropriate response to the needs of occupants of the vehicles who have been involved in traffic crashes or incidents.”— 2023-10-26View Hansard

Supported the bill as striking the right balance between supporting the tow truck industry and providing improved outcomes and protections for motorists, echoing that tow truck operators are 'heroes of the highway'.

“I am confident that this bill strikes the right balance between supporting the tow truck industry to deliver efficient and effective services as well as improved outcomes and protections for motorists.”— 2023-10-25View Hansard

Supported the bill's objectives to enhance safety and modernise the tow truck scheme but criticised the government's failure to adequately consult with industry stakeholders.

“It is disappointing to note a number of significant issues which were canvassed that appear to jeopardise such important objectives. In particular, I note the feedback received which highlighted concerns in relation to not only the state Labor government's time line in bringing these changes to Queensland's tow truck scheme but also Labor's failure to adequately listen and consult with affected stakeholders.”— 2023-10-26View Hansard

Supported the committee recommendation to pass the bill but criticised the five-year delay after reviews, limited consultation, and inconsistent 'appropriate person' determinations for accreditation.

“The committee recommended that the Tow Truck Bill be passed.”— 2023-10-25View Hansard

Supported the bill as a necessary modernisation of 50-year-old legislation, praising the extensive consultation process with industry and community.

“The existing legislation is 50 years old and very outdated. Now is probably a really good time to make the appropriate changes to modernise and strengthen this outdated legislative framework to suit the current climate.”— 2023-10-26View Hansard

Commended the bill as good legislation addressing bribery and incentives, and praised tow truck operators as first responders and highway traffic heroes.

“In all, this bill is a good bill and the committee has worked hard.”— 2023-10-25View Hansard

As the Minister introducing the bill, defended the extensive consultation process and the bill's balanced approach to protecting vulnerable motorists while supporting industry viability.

“Being in a traffic crash can be a traumatic event and for the average Queenslander it is thankfully one that is not experienced on a regular basis. If they find themselves in such a situation, having an accredited tow truck driver to attend the scene, load their vehicle and get it safely towed to a secure location alleviates some of the distress Queenslanders face in these circumstances.”— 2023-10-26View Hansard

Supported the bill after consulting with local tow truck operators in Far North Queensland who were satisfied with the consultation and the balanced approach to changes.

“I spoke to two operators in Cairns. I also want to acknowledge the work of the committee. I spoke to its chair, who does a fantastic job, and he was very clear in where the industry wanted to go.”— 2023-10-25View Hansard

Supported the bill's objectives of modernising legislation and ensuring appropriate accreditation, but raised concerns about insufficient consultation with insurers, unclear impoundment fees, and the need for an industry peak body.

“As a father of two daughters, knowing that the industry has solid regulation and legislation around who is appropriate and how they are authorised and how that operates is something that I take some reassurance from.”— 2023-10-25View Hansard

Supported the bill after witnessing firsthand how tow truck operators assist at accident scenes, noting the legislation appropriately balances industry viability with consumer protections.

“Overall, this is an approach that is in line with natural justice arrangements that are in place for most administrative decisions in Queensland. I am comfortable they will protect the rights of those people seeking to work in the towing industry.”— 2023-10-25View Hansard

Supported the bill and provided historical context by referencing the original 1973 legislation, highlighting the timely refresh of 50-year-old laws.

“It is 50 years since the original legislation was introduced into the Queensland parliament on 10 April 1973.”— 2023-10-25View Hansard

Made brief contribution highlighting cross-border regulatory issues where Queensland operators are disadvantaged compared to NSW operators who can freely work in unregulated Queensland border areas.

“One of the things I would really like to see in the future is that regulation of these sorts of things would be organised with the New South Wales government, perhaps with a future cross-border commission, to ensure the regulation of the areas does not unnecessarily disadvantage Queensland operators.”— 2023-10-25View Hansard

Supported the bill, noting its importance for her electorate which includes two major motorways with frequent accidents, and praised provisions addressing bribery and maximum fee regulations.

“People in my community get very excited about tow truck regulation, because they are frequent flyers in my community.”— 2023-10-25View Hansard