Northern Territory Government Policy Paralysis

The Martin Government's procrastination in dealing with the recommendations of its Road Safety Inquiry is further evidence of a policy vacuum at the heart of this administration, says the Territory opposition.

"Whenever a difficult decision comes along this Government's first response is to dither," says Terry Mills, Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

"We saw it most recently regarding the expansion of the McArthur River Mine and now we are witnessing it with road safety policy.

"It's inexcusable that after having the report for almost 6 months the Minister is still unable to tell the people of the Territory precisely how this government will tackle the Territory's unacceptably high road toll.

"The Opposition is not prey to the same inability to identify and rectify road policy deficiencies.

"We are committed to a case by case analysis of the causes of road fatalities and designing specific polices to counter those causes.

"As a consequence today we are releasing a policy designed to deal with the high number of Territorians who are not wearing seat belts when they are involved in fatal accidents.

"The Opposition proposes a 3 months licence suspension for the driver who is detected three times in twelve driving with a person in their vehicle not wearing a seatbelt.

"This policy makes it clear that the driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers are belted up before turning the key in the ignition.

"30 Territorians died in road accidents in which they hadn't bothered to pull on a seat belt during the last two years.

"The research in this area in clear and comprehensive - seatbelts save lives.

"It's appropriate that the driver of the vehicle take responsibility for ensuring the passengers belt up. They are the person who can say until you pull on your seat belt we aren't going anywhere.”

2006-11-24