8 August 2017

, Acting Attorney-General

Strong action to crack down on dangerous driving

The Hodgman Liberal Government has today tabled new laws that will crack down on the scourge of dangerous driving.

The consequences of dangerous driving can be catastrophic for individuals, families and communities, and a stronger message must be sent to ensure it is not tolerated on our roads.

The legislation will move the offence of dangerous driving from the Traffic Act 1925 to the Criminal Code Act 1924, resulting in the maximum penalty for a first offence being increased from two to 21 years imprisonment. This also means that dangerous driving will become an indictable offence that can be heard in the Supreme Court, which will better reflect the seriousness of the offence.

The legislation will also:

• increase the maximum sentences applicable where an individual is found guilty of negligent driving causing death by one year
• increase the maximum sentences applicable where an individual is found guilty of negligent driving causing grievous bodily harm by six months
• allow alternative convictions for negligent driving causing death or grievous bodily harm where an offender is charged with dangerous driving causing death or grievous bodily harm and the offence is not proved, provided there is sufficient evidence to prove the alternative offence.

This legislation will complement other initiatives designed to be strong on crime and meet community expectations such as the recently-passed laws cracking down on police evaders.

This legislation is another test for Labor’s inexperienced leader, Rebecca White.  Will she listen to the community and back these strong laws, or will she once again dance to the Greens’ tune and block them, just like she blocked mandatory sentencing for child sex offenders.

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