Tougher penalties for driving offences leading to death or serious injury

The Palaszczuk Government has passed new laws in Parliament today increasing maximum penalties for some driving offences which result in death or grievous bodily harm.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government introduced the new laws following a review of existing maximum penalties.

“Every life lost on Queensland roads is a tragedy and community concern has been heightened understandably following a number of incidents where Queenslanders have lost loved ones at the hands of careless or dangerous drivers,” Mr Bailey said.

“These incidents are tragic and I extend my sincere sympathies to everyone affected by them.

“After thorough consultation with stakeholders, including a number of families who have lost loved ones in road crashes, the Palaszczuk Government has passed legislation to significantly increase the penalties for certain driving offences resulting in death or grievous bodily harm."

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

“I want to thank Audrey’s family and many other families who during their time of grief brought about a campaign for change to help other families from being in the tragic circumstances they found themselves", Mr Bailey said.

“I am also extremely thankful that they took the time to meet with me to discuss these proposed legislative changes.

“I would also like to acknowledge the work of the Member for Burnett in highlighting how important these changes are to the community.”

The changes include two new offences of careless driving causing death or grievous bodily harm and careless driving causing death or grievous bodily harm while unlicensed. Mandatory minimum licence disqualification periods will also be applied to these new offences.

Careless Driving

• Current max penalty - $5,046 or 6 months imprisonment (3 demerit points).  No minimum licence disqualification period.

New Offences - Careless Driving causing death or GBH

• New max penalty - $10,092 or 12 months imprisonment (3 demerit points) + minimum licence disqualification period of at least 6 months.
• New max penalty (with circumstances of aggravation - unlicensed) - $20, 184 or 2 years imprisonment (3 demerit points) + 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
• New 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
• New max penalty (with circumstances of aggravation) -14 years imprisonment + minimum licence disqualification period of at least 12 months.

ENDS

Media contact: Dominic Geiger, 0447355565