Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett is preparing to table an important petition in Parliament on behalf of road crash victims which he says will save lives.
Mr Bennett has been working with a Bundaberg grieving family in their campaign to strengthen careless driving laws following the death of loved ones over Easter last year.
The petition seeks to introduce harsher penalties for negligent driving causing death or grievous bodily harm, bringing Queensland law into line with other laws across the country.
“We must stop this reckless behaviour on our roads, and if that means introducing harsher penalties for those who cause death or serious injury, then that’s what we need to do,” Mr Bennett said.
“Queensland families like the Walkers need these laws changed to get the justice they desperately need to move forward.
“I would also like to see legislative changes that ensure people caught recklessly operating a vehicle are off our roads for an extended period of time. Holding a driver licence is not a right, it’s a privilege.
“Quite frankly, every single life lost on our roads is one too many and we need to take action to bring that road toll down to zero.”
The online and paper petitions have collected almost 8,000 signatures from across the state.
Mr Bennett urged locals to sign the online petition, which closes on March 19.
ENDS.
Thursday, 1 March 2018