Page 145 - Week 01 - Thursday, 9 April 1992
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I intend that this legislation should be implemented within the next six months. Offering up to six months' grace will allow cyclists time to purchase approved helmets before this legislation commences operation and is enforced. I do not intend for its introduction to be staged, as was done in New South Wales. With the extensive publicity associated with the introduction of compulsory helmet wearing in New South Wales, as advertised on regional television, and with specific publicity to be undertaken by my department, I feel that the Canberra community would be well aware of the impending requirements by the time this legislation is introduced.
The Department of Urban Services road safety unit has also been working for some time in Canberra schools, stressing the importance of wearing bicycle helmets as a road safety initiative, and will continue to do so after this legislation has been introduced.
The introduction of this legislation follows an amendment to the Australian standard for bicycle helmets which allows new lightweight, well-ventilated, soft-shell helmets onto the market, which will further encourage the wearing of helmets by cyclists.
This Bill also proposes to amend the general penalty provision of the Traffic Act 1937 to increase the maximum fine that can be issued by the courts from $100 to $500. I stress that this provision affects only the maximum fine enforced under the Traffic Act 1937 for offences that do not attract specific fines themselves. This maximum fine has not increased since 1984, and there have been significant increases in on-the-spot fines for specific offences since then.
I take this opportunity to also repeal the Traffic (Amendment) Act 1987, which empowers the relevant Minister to determine fees for the conduct of bicycle races or trials on public roads. This Act has never commenced operation. Given that such races and trials occur rarely, a fee setting mechanism is no longer considered necessary.
With Canberra enjoying an extensive bicycle path network and a beautiful riding environment, our city is ideally suited for cyclists. I feel that the introduction of this Bill will significantly improve the safety of all cyclists, which in turn will increase the level of enjoyment that cycling will bring to the ACT community. I now present the explanatory memorandum for this Bill.
Debate (on motion by Mr Westende) adjourned.
ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES - STANDING COMMITTEE
Reference on New Assembly Premises
MS FOLLETT (Chief Minister and Treasurer) (11.25): Madam Speaker, I move:
That:
(1) The Standing Committee on Administration and Procedures shall inquire into and report on the provision of new premises for the Legislative Assembly. In doing so the Committee shall:
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