Motor Vehicles (Suitability to Hold Licence) Amendment Bill

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 2 November 2017.)

Mr PISONI (Unley) (17:52): I rise on behalf of the opposition to support the bill, and I know that there are a couple of other members who would like to speak on this it, in particular the member for Hammond. The Registrar of Motor Vehicles has a longstanding discretionary power to refuse the issue or renewal of a driver's licence or learner's permit or to suspend the same or put probationary precautions on these in order to minimise risk of accident, injury or repetition of offences by a driver. This section can apply regardless of the driver undergoing a period of disqualification relating to offences. Accordingly, these powers are used in exceptional circumstances to keep dangerous drivers off the road.

The bill aims to enhance the registrar's powers to take action against dangerous drivers, whereas in the past these powers could only be used in relation to individuals who were previously convicted on expiated offences. The criteria will be broadened to include past behaviour indicating to the registrar that action should be taken to minimise the risk of injury or offences occurring rather than being required to consider whether the action would prevent the risk eventuating.

The bill also clarifies that when the registrar determines to take action under the new provision, the overriding and pre-eminent consideration is protection of the public. The bill also makes it clear that the registrar should take into account any possible hardships eventuating from a decision in relation to a licence or learners permit and that the individuals affected continue to have the rights to internal or external review under the act.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. T.R. Kenyon.

At 17:55 the house adjourned until Tuesday 28 November 2017 at 11:00.