Greens push for improve quad bike safety regulations

A motion from the Greens calling for stronger safety regulations around quad bikes and ATVs has passed the Legislative Council.

In 2017, Coroner Simon Cooper released a report examining quad bike deaths in Tasmania between 2012 and 2015.

He recommended increased community education on helmet and seat belt use, and prohibitions on children using quad bikes and ATVs.

The Greens put forward a motion calling on the government to provide increased community education and promotion of the use of helmets, and legislation that prohibits children under the age of 16 from operating adult quad bikes, prohibits children under the age of 16 from operating youth-sized quad bikes other than in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and prohibits children under the age of 6 from operating any quad bike under any circumstances.

Greens Attorney General and Justice spokeswoman Cassy O’Connor said the current legislation needed improvement. 

“The passing of this motion by the Legislative Council recognises that the Liberal Government’s action so far to prevent quad bike and ATV tragedies has been inadequate,” Ms O’Connor said.

“It’s a strong call for the Rockliff Government to act to prevent future tragedies by strengthening quad bike and ATV safety requirements, particularly to protect children and young people.”

A government spokesperson said it had already implemented the coroner’s recommendations.

“Our Government has acted and introduced a range of initiatives to improve quad bike safety in workplaces, on public roads and on Crown reserves.

“This has included provision of training and information resources, a public awareness campaign, progressing amendments to relevant regulatory frameworks and the establishment of a rebate scheme to assist business operators to purchase safety devices.

“We will continue to implement measures to enhance the safety of quad bike users.”