MOTORING REVENUES

The Hon. R.B. SUCH (Fisher) (12:55): I move:

That this house calls upon the state government to moderate its harsh financial revenue-raising regime impacting on motorists and other road users.

Motorists in general have become an easy target for not just this government but other governments over time. The theory that I believe the government uses—which I do not accept—is that if you have a vehicle then you are fair game and you are an easy source of revenue.

If you look at just some of the measures that have been introduced over time, since 1996, motor vehicle registration fees have more than doubled. I will not go into all the various categories. Licence fees: in 2011-12, the cost of a 10-year driver's licence has increased 32 per cent from $280 per annum to $370 per annum. In 2003-04, the cost of a 10-year licence was $230.

Unregistered vehicle fines have jumped from $750 to $2,500 maximum, whilst for failure to insure, the maximum fine is $5,000, up from $2,500. Members might say, 'Well, you shouldn't be driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle,' and you should not, but what we see in terms of penalties are very severe indeed. I would like to see a focus more on demerit points because I think that, if you are not abiding by the rules of the road, then by losing demerit points, you run the risk of losing your licence totally.

In the bracket of speed exceeding the limit by 15 km/h and likewise exceeding the speed limit by between 15 and 30 km/h, South Australia has the highest fine of any mainland state. Once again, I think that should be addressed more by taking away demerit points or increasing demerit points rather than simply hitting people in the wallet. Fines from motorists have jumped from $51 million to $76 million since this government came to power in 2002, and so it goes on.

I think it is time that the motoring public was given a fair go. I am keen to encourage the RAA to be more active in advocating for motorists, but I think the current approach to motorists is excessive in terms of revenue raising and draconian in relation to fines and penalties. I do not think they need to be of the level they are or as harsh as they are. I think you can achieve the same goal by focusing on demerit points, requiring people to undertake driving tests again and all that sort of thing.

The total impact on motorists has become severe and now, I think, the minimum registration for a car is about $710 per year. That is a lot of money and not all of that money goes into road improvements. It is siphoned off into other areas and I think the government, in formulating future budgets, needs to be mindful of not hitting the motorists so hard.

I hope that we do not see the introduction of the 'fine accompanying a defected vehicle' scheme. I think the current defect system works well. That is the view of the police, as I understand it, and we do not need to fine people $125 or $250 simply because their tail-light goes out. I think that is just indicative of this harsh revenue-raising regime. I ask members to support the motion.

Debate adjourned on motion of Mr Pederick.

[Sitting suspended from 13:00 to 14:00]