Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House in just two years there have been three hit-and-run related deaths in Far North Queensland where the perpetrator left the scene rather than providing assistance to the injured person.

Drivers convicted of offences related to hit-and-run receive a wholly suspended sentence and/or a license disqualification for relatively short periods of time (12 months or less), despite having committed prior traffic related offences including convictions of dangerous driving causing Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), drink/drug driving, speeding, driving without a license or driving an unregistered vehicle.

Queensland’s current legislative regime is not providing a sufficient deterrent. Harsher penalties are needed in line with other states’ laws, which will therefore increase awareness and educate the public on the consequences of leaving the scene of an accident.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to: 
(1)  increase maximum penalties for drivers that fail to remain at the scene of a road incident and fail to assist an injured person:
a. For failing to remain they will be automatically deemed high range DUI

(2)  immediate suspension of a driver’s licence on the commencement of a:
a.  Dangerous Operation MV causing death/GBH charge
b.  Due care causing death/GBH charge

(3)  Loss of licence after incident that results in GBH or death i.e. first offence 10 years, second offence life.