Daniel Andrews has hinted he will move to implement a Liberal Nationals policy to crack down on drug drivers on Victorian roads, but not until 2020.
But plans to launch a review of drug driving laws is too little too late from a Premier playing catch-up on road safety.
The announcement of a "sweeping multi-agency review" followed by potential legislative changes to be introduced by 2020 will provide little comfort to road users as 60 more Victorians than last year have lost their lives on our roads - the highest rate in over a decade.
In contrast, the Liberal Nationals have been demanding more drug tests and stronger penalties for months. In June 2019, we announced a three point plan to take real action on reducing Victoria's tragic road toll, including;
- Funding 1,000 extra drug tests each week.
- Increase penalties for drug driving in line with drink driving.
- Focus speed camera site selection on reducing road trauma, not raising revenue.
Every day that Daniel Andrews fails to take meaningful action on Victoria's road safety crisis is another day the lives of Victorian road users are unacceptably placed at risk.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Police, David Southwick:
"Tragically there are no second chances when it comes to road safety and every life lost on our roads is one too many.”
"For months the Liberal Nationals have been calling for real action on road safety but this fallen on deaf ears from Daniel Andrews.”
"The time for reviews are over, Daniel Andrews must get on board with our plan to reduce Victoria's skyrocketing road trauma.”