Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2008-11-25 Daily Xml

Contents

CHILD RESTRAINT LAWS

The Hon. M. PARNELL (15:15): I also have a supplementary question. Has the government considered the implications of these measures for parents who try to reduce their motor vehicle use by sharing kindergarten and school drop-off duties, and is there any scope for flexibility to be shown where children are travelling in cars other than those of their regular parent or guardian?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Gambling, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:15): I always acknowledge the Hon. Mark Parnell's, I guess, passion to see environmental improvements in our society. However, I would have to say that, when it comes to children, who are a vulnerable group of road users or passengers, their safety overrides the fact that we cannot provide exemptions for vehicles not to have the correct capsule, booster or safety harness.

I appreciate that this is an issue that can affect parents and, hence, the lead-up time, as I have mentioned, and the fact that one can hire a particular booster or capsule that might be available for the size of one's child. I appreciate what the honourable member has said, but I can inform him that, as a grandparent, we now have a seat anchored in the back of our car. Prior to that we were not able to transport our granddaughter, because we appreciated that her safety was more important than our really wanting her to travel in our car without a proper restraint.