Mandate electronic warning systems for children left unattended in vehicles

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Peter Black
C/- PO Box 399
INGHAM QLD 4850
Total Signatures - 3,051
Sponsoring Member: Mr Nick Dametto MP
Posting Date: 2/6/2021
Closing Date: 30/8/2021
Tabled Date: 31/8/2021
Responded By: Hon Mark Bailey MP on 30/9/2021
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the absence of mandated electronic warning systems in vehicles for children left unattended.

Currently in Queensland, while there is no legislation that specifically prohibits children being left unattended in vehicles, there exists a penalty of up to three years imprisonment under the Criminal Code if a person leaves a child under 12-years-old unattended for an unreasonable time. A further maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment applies for any person who unlawfully abandons or exposes a child under the age of 7 years, whereby the life of such child is or is likely to be endangered, or the child’s health is or is likely to be permanently injured.

The consequences of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle can result in the child experiencing severe heat exhaustion, the accidental operation of a vehicle (eg. a child releases the handbrake or gearlever) or in some circumstances, death. 

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House in order to prevent future injuries to a child or a potential tragedy in the event a child is left unattended in a vehicle, do all within its power to legislate that all vehicle manufacturers must provide electronic warning devices in new vehicles that alert the driver to children who are left unattended in a vehicle.