Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that our emergency services workers are under exponential stress, so is our community – 301 people died on our roads in 2021, 76 more than 2020. Changes need to be made to better ensure the safety of our communities after the devastation of COVID. “Speed limits are set and enforced to reduce crashes and save lives.” Yet, “more than half (56%) of Queensland drivers admit to speeding on more than half of their road trips”. Both quotes are from relevant Queensland Government websites, surely this suggests we have the information to make adequate changes to how licenses are issued and maintained in order to lessen reckless driving and irresponsible license holders. “Nothing is more important than the safety of the people who travel on the state’s vast road network.” Road safety strategy and action plans, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads. One of many community recommendations have been subsidising defensive driver courses for all license holders to increase driver confidence in emergency situations; implement learner license issuing so a mandatory, minimum of three hours with a registered defensive driver must be obtained in the 100 hour period to obtain their Provisional License. 10-15 year license renewal process to ensure consistently responsive and safe driving capabilities of all license type holders.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to undertake additional community led consultation to reduce dangerous driving and improve any Queensland roads that have fallen behind road safety standards.