STATUTES AMENDMENT (DRIVING OFFENCES) BILL

Final Stages

The Legislative Council agreed to the bill with the amendments indicated by the following schedule, to which amendments the Legislative Council desires the concurrence of the House of Assembly:

No. 1. Clause 6, page 4, line 38 [clause 6, inserted section 19AD(2)(a)]—

Delete 'is present in a motor vehicle whilst it is driven' and substitute:

drives a motor vehicle

No.2. Clause 6, page 5, lines 6 to 11 [clause 6, inserted section 19AD(4)]—

Delete subsection (4)

Consideration in committee.

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: I move:

That the Legislative Council's amendments be agreed to.

The amendments have been made in the other place. The amendments have the effect of limiting the new offence of street racing to drivers of motor vehicles rather than extending it to passengers, as the original provision was originally drafted.

The government went to the election with a policy that a new street racing offence would extend to anyone who promotes, assists or is a passenger in a street race. The government notes the position taken by the other place and the concerns expressed by some members and commentators regarding the application of the offence to passengers. To ensure that the other initiatives contained in the bill are not further delayed, the government has reluctantly agreed to the amendments.

This bill as amended still reflects the government's commitment to pursue tough initiatives to better protect South Australians from the irresponsible and dangerous actions of street racing.

The Hon. I.F. EVANS: It is win, win, win and wisdom, Madam Chair. The opposition agrees.

Motion carried.