Page 1309 - Week 04 - Thursday, 10 April 2008
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Motorcycle Riders Association of the ACT undertook extensive work in identifying and documenting a number of public motorcycle car parks throughout Canberra to trial the use of these new anchor points. Three sites in Woden are in the process of being completed in response to a number of motorcycle thefts in that area over the past 12 months. The project has been developed in partnership, as I said, with the Motorcycle Riders Association, ACT Policing, the Motor Trades Association of ACT, the Department of Justice and Community Safety, the Department of Territory and Municipal Services and, indeed, with the endorsement of the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.
This shows that we can take very innovative approaches when it comes to addressing crime, and particularly theft of motorcycles. The initiative is being watched with some interest by other jurisdictions. We are the first jurisdiction in the country to provide this type of facility for motorcyclists. We will be observing the results of the trial carefully to see whether it does have an impact on the overall level of motorcycle theft in the locations where these anchor points are being provided. I know that many other jurisdictions, including many local governments, are looking closely at the provision of these types of facilities, as is indeed the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.
Can I thank in particular the Motorcycle Riders Association for their strong interest and advocacy in this proposal—they have been instrumental—particularly Mr Peter Major, for his efforts in identifying and working with Territory and Municipal Services and Justice and Community Safety in putting together this initiative. I was very pleased to see the first site open on Furzer Street this afternoon. I am looking forward to seeing the other ones opening up on the other side of Woden close to Callam Street, as well as here in the city on Constitution Avenue and, indeed, in the car parks close to the Legislative Assembly.
I commend the initiative to members. If they have the opportunity when they are out and about in Woden, they should have a look and see what is being provided. I think everyone will agree that it is a great improvement on the previous facilities available for motorcyclists here in Canberra.
Insurance—motor vehicle accidents
MR STEFANIAK: Treasurer, you are aware of a particular motor vehicle accident that occurred on Barry Drive in January this year. Indeed, I wrote to you and the Attorney-General about this case and indicated to you that I would be following it up and asking you a question about it. The elderly male driver suffered a heart attack and died. With his foot still on the accelerator, in order to avoid any further tragedy, his 70-year-old wife, Shirley, bravely took the steering wheel and manoeuvred the vehicle across two lanes of traffic to avoid other vehicles and to get it off the road. Tragically, the vehicle struck a tree, and Shirley suffered extensive injuries. Attending police said Shirley should get a medal for her actions.
She approached the NRMA, and that resulted in advice that she would not be eligible for third party compensation as the incident was a “blameless accident”. In the meantime, Shirley continues to suffer from her injuries and the financial cost of
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