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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-03-24 Daily Xml
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STREET SMART FORUM

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (15:21): Can the Minister for Road Safety inform the house with regard to the Street Smart youth and road trauma forum that is being held today?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Gambling, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:21): I thank the member for Ashford for her question. I know she has taken a keen interest in road safety, especially how it impacts on young people.

The Hon. K.O. Foley: And you, too.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Yes; me, too, Treasurer. I sat silently during your answer. I spent much of this morning attending a youth and road trauma forum hosted by the RAA called Street Smart 09, which was held at the Entertainment Centre. More than 3,500 students attended today. They were confronted with a crash scene scenario and heard at first-hand the devastating effect of road trauma on people's lives. I had the honour of meeting and introducing to the forum two of the guest speakers, Luke Rosenzweig and Eli Murn.

Both Luke and Eli have an acquired brain injury, and they were representatives of the Brain Injury Network Reconnect Program. They shared their stories in the hope that they might prevent another young person from the tragic consequences of road trauma. When they were speaking, you could hear a pin drop. Amongst 3,500 16 year olds, that is pretty rare.

The peer-to-peer support program involves trained volunteer mentors who have an acquired brain injury working and supporting program participants at the beginning of their recovery journey. The program, which is funded by the Motor Accident Commission, bridges the gap between formal rehabilitation and resuming home and community living. It gives those with a brain injury the best opportunity to readjust by enhancing recovery through improved confidence and independence.

As minister responsible for youth and road safety, I commend these young people and I admire their commitment to share their experiences and develop strategies to address the challenges they face when resuming and adapting to life after brain injury.

Today's event also involved a mock crash demonstration and a 25 minute education session on stopping distances and speeding, which was narrated by a representative from the Centre for Automotive Safety Research. There was also a wheelchair basketball game—students of the north versus students of the south—but I had to leave before that concluded, so I do not know who won. A young woman who has spinal injuries as a result of a vehicle trauma also shared her story.

Importantly, peer pressure and its associated risks were also analysed. Students were constantly reminded of the dangers of making the wrong decision. A looped DVD of television commercials was shown on the big screen and included the Motor Accident Commission and the state government's Everybody Hates Drink Drivers and Creepers campaigns.

Upon leaving, the students received drink-driving key rings, Creeper stickers and posters related to drink driving and drug driving—not celebrating it but condemning it. I am sure all members are aware that last year South Australia achieved a record low road toll of 99 fatalities, which is still too high.

Mrs Redmond: It's really bad this year.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: It is bad this year, but we think it will be better than last year. The state government always aims for zero, but if the State Strategic Plan can get it down to 90 we will be very pleased. I formally thank and acknowledge the Motor Accident Commission and the RAA for their dedication to improving the lives of South Australians through programs and events such as Street Smart and the Brain Injury Network Reconnect Program.

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