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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2008-11-12 Daily Xml
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SCHOOLIES FESTIVAL

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:03): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Road Safety a question about the schoolies road safety bus.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA: Yesterday, we heard from the Minister for Consumer Affairs (Hon. Gail Gago) about the excellent work undertaken by Encounter Youth in order to inform students about responsible drinking. Will the Minister for Road Safety outline the steps that the state government and the RAA have taken to ensure that students travelling to and from Victor Harbor for Schoolies Week festivities are safe?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Gambling, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:03): It is, indeed, a very exciting time for young South Australians who are in the process of completing year 12 and starting the rest of their lives. However, it also has the potential to be a dangerous time. No-one wants to begrudge schoolies the right to let their hair down and celebrate the end of their schooling life. However, we need to take precautions to ensure that no risks are taken on the road, because research tells us that young people are more at risk.

In August, I announced an enhanced road safety partnership between the Motor Accident Commission (MAC) and the Royal Automobile Association (RAA) aimed at young users taking part in Schoolies Week festivities. Starting later this month, MAC and the RAA will provide a free bus that will transport thousands of school leavers attending the schoolies festival in Victor Harbor, which starts on 21 November. This is an excellent initiative, and I strongly encourage parents to discuss the schoolies festival with their sons and daughters and to plan ahead and make safe and sensible decisions. Catching this bus instead of taking the car could save young lives and spare families the ordeal of a traumatic life changing experience.

Drivers in the 16 to 24-year age group have a high incidence of drink driving and research reveals that young road users, particularly males, are more likely to drink drive. It is expected that about 20,000 school leavers will use the buses throughout the festivities. The buses are free for festival ticket holders, and ample storage is provided on the Adelaide return route. There are also frequent services in and around Victor Harbor (I think that this is the enhanced service, in particular), meaning that there is simply no need for school leavers to bring a car.

For more information and to book the Adelaide return bus, I urge school leavers and their parents to visit www.schooliesfestival.com.au, or contact the schoolies festival organisers Encounter Youth. I am aware that the RAA and the MAC will be further promoting this important service next week, and I wish all concerned a safe time.

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