A petition to strengthen Queensland laws for negligent driving causing death or grievous bodily harm has been tabled in State Parliament today.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett, who sponsored the petition on behalf of grieving families who have lost loved ones on the road, said the petition had collected 8,188 signatures in support of harsher penalties.
Mr Bennett said the petition seeks to bring Queensland law into line with other jurisdictions across the country.
“Clearly Queensland is badly out of step with our interstate counterparts and these laws need to be strengthened to save lives on our roads,” he said.
“Queenslanders have spoken and it’s clear that the people in this state want to see change to enhance road safety for all.
“We see this as a really huge step forward and goes to show that community campaigns can and do influence governments to act and introduce better policy.
“I would like to pay tribute to community campaigners including Kerri Walker, who has been through so much after suffering the loss of her children, Sarah and Daniel. Incredibly, through her loss she has found the strength to speak up to make a change and help other families.”
Principal Petitioner Trisha Mabley said she was moved by the number of signatures collected from the petition.
“Everyone concerned has done such a wonderful job. I’m so proud of Queensland for getting behind it,” she said.
“We are very grateful to Stephen Bennett and his staff. Without their support, guidance and knowhow, we wouldn’t have got as far as we have.”
ENDS.
Tuesday, 20 March 2018