Kerri Walker and Trisha Mabley have handed over thousands of signatures petitioning the government to strengthen careless driving laws.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett is calling on the re-elected Palaszczuk Government to honour commitments made to families of road crash victims.
Mr Bennett said a Bundaberg grieving family who lost their children in a horrific car crash on Easter Monday were promised action by the Palaszczuk Government to strengthen careless driving laws prior to the election.
“Clearly this was on everyone’s agenda prior to an election and the promises that were made to Kerri Walker and other grieving families need to be kept,” he said.
“Harsher penalties for careless drivers who cause fatal crashes should have been brought in before Christmas, as promised, but Annastacia Palaszczuk decided an election was a higher priority than this family’s quest to save lives.
“We just need to get on with it and make sure good, fair and effective laws are implemented to enhance road safety for all.
“Queensland families like the Walkers need these laws changed to get the justice they desperately need to move forward.”
Mr Bennett said in the lead up to Christmas when families were getting ready to hit the road to spend time with loved ones, it’s a timely reminder for people to take care and drive safely.
“I urge people to take their time, be considerate of other road users and drive to the conditions to arrive at your destination safely.
“We want everyone home safely.”
The Walker family’s advocate Trisha Mabley, who launched a petition to toughen the state’s careless driving laws with the support of Mr Bennett, backed the local MP’s road safety message.
“I would like everyone to take time to reflect on the year. I would really like you to all think before you get behind the wheel… You have people who love you,” she said.
“As for the government pulling an election on us just after they promised us a law change – we are still here we will not sit back.
“You owe it to Kerri and everyone else who has lost their loved ones on the road… You owe it to the state to change this law and change it now.”
ENDS.
Thursday, 14 December 2017