Miles Doing What Matters: Dangerous drivers set to cop up to 20 years under new laws passed by Queensland Parliament

• New laws passed by Queensland Parliament include a 20 year jail sentence for an individual who drives dangerously, evades police and causes death or grievous bodily harm
• Someone who drives dangerously and leaves a crash scene after causing death or grievous bodily harm to be liable for a 20 jail sentence
• Maximum penalty for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm to increase from 10 to 14 years

The Miles Labor Government has today passed new laws in the Queensland Parliament to provide tough penalties for those who show reckless disregard for the directions of police and the welfare of other people in the community.

Under the new laws people who drive dangerously, evade police, and then become involved in a crash that causes death or grievous bodily harm will face up to 20 years in prison.

This is a new penalty, and stems from the determined and heartfelt advocacy of a Queenslander who suffered the traumatic loss of loved ones.

Claudine Snow lost loved ones in tragic circumstances, and subsequently met with the Police Minister a number of times to express her views.

Claudine’s advocacy has played a key role in the development of this legislation.

The new law will be known as Susan’s Law, in honour of Claudine’s mother.

The new circumstance of aggravation, and the new 20 year penalty are part of a broader package of reforms targeting people who drive dangerously.

The maximum penalty for someone who drives dangerously and leaves a crash scene after causing death or grievous bodily harm will be increased from 14 years to 20 years.

In addition, the maximum penalty for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm will increase from 10 to 14 years.

This new circumstance of aggravation will also apply to youth offenders who drive dangerously, evade police and cause death or grievous bodily harm.

The Miles Government’s commitment to keeping Queenslanders safe is unwavering, and this package of reforms is further evidence of that commitment.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“Too many Queenslanders lose their lives on our roads, often because of the reckless behaviour of others on the road.

“No one knows that more than Claudine Snow and her family. I want to thank them for the part they played in shaping these new laws.

“My government’s Community Safety Plan for Queensland is giving our Police the tools they need to stamp out this dangerous behaviour – putting in place harsh penalties for causing the death of another on the road.

“I will never apologise for taking a hard line against people who have no regard for the safety of their fellow Queenslanders.

“I’m doing what matters to ensure Queenslanders are safe and feel safe.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Police and Community Safety, Mark Ryan:

“I want to thank Claudine Snow for her powerful and compelling advocacy in relation to these matters.

“Claudine did not seek the limelight, did not seek attention, in fact quite the opposite.

“But in became apparent during my meetings with Claudine that her motivation was simply, and powerfully, her fervent wish that no-one else should have to go through the terrible trauma that she and her family have endured.

“These tough new laws are a credit to Pauline.

“The Miles Government will always listen to the concerns of Queenslanders, and with the passage of these tough new laws targeting dangerous drivers, the Parliament has given expression to that unwavering commitment from the government.”

Quotes attributable to Claudine Snow:

“To lose loved ones unexpectedly is simply devastating.

“I decided I would try to do something to stop this happening to other people.

“I am so pleased the government is taking these actions.

“To see something good come from something so terrible provides some comfort.

“If one person thinks twice about dangerous driving my efforts are worth it.”

ENDS