Tougher penalties proposed for driving offences leading to death or serious injury

The Palaszczuk Government is proposing tough new maximum penalties for some driving offences which result in death or grievous bodily harm.

Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government had proposed the significant increases following a review of existing maximum penalties.

“Every life lost on Queensland roads is a tragedy and community concern has been heightened understandably recently following the crash that killed siblings Sarah and Daniel Walker outside Tiaro in April,” Mr Bailey said.

“This was a tragedy which claimed the life of two family members and left two other passengers seriously injured and I extend my sincere sympathies to everyone affected by this crash.

The driver was fined $3000 and disqualified from driving for three months after being convicted of careless driving.

“After consulting with the Walker family and other families whose loved ones have been killed in road crashes, the Palaszczuk Government has reviewed the penalties for certain driving offences resulting in death or grievous bodily harm,” he said.

Mr Bailey said the proposed changes are in line with recommendations handed down by the State Coroner as a result of the Inquest into the death of Audrey Ann Dow.

“I also want to thank Audrey’s family for their campaign to bring change,’ Mr Bailey said.

“This government has accepted these recommendations and is progressing legislative amendments for parliamentary consideration.”

The changes include proposed mandatory minimum licence disqualification periods and an increase to the maximum penalty for offences causing death or grievous bodily harm.

The final minimum licence disqualification periods which will be six months or more for Careless Driving offences and twelve months or more for Dangerous Driving offences will be determined following further consultation before the Road Safety Bill is introduced to Parliament. 

Careless Driving causing death or GBH

• Current max penalty - $5,046 or 6 months imprisonment (3 demerit points).  No minimum licence disqualification period.
• Proposed max penalty - $10,092 or 12 months imprisonment (3 demerit points) + minimum licence disqualification period of at least 6 months.
• Proposed max penalty (with circumstances of aggravation) - $20, 184 or 2 years imprisonment and a minimum licence disqualification of at least 6 months.

Dangerous Driving causing death or GBH

• Current max penalty - 10 years imprisonment + minimum licence disqualification period 6 months
• Proposed max penalty -10 years imprisonment + minimum licence disqualification period of at least 12 months
• Current max penalty (with circumstances of aggravation) - 14 years imprisonment + minimum licence disqualification period 6 months
• Proposed max penalty (with circumstances of aggravation) -14 years imprisonment + minimum licence disqualification period of at least 12 months.

ENDS

Media contact: Zoe Russell – 0428 079 640