David Leyonhjelm (NSW, Liberal Democratic Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Wang and Senator Day, move:

That the Senate—

(a) recognises that:

(i) the growing popularity of motorcycling is helping to ease congestion in our cities, both on the roads and with parking,

(ii) motorbikes use less fuel, produce fewer emissions and cause less road wear than other vehicles, while up to five motorbikes can occupy the same parking space as a single car, and

(iii) state and territory governments could do much more to promote motorcycling by reducing direct costs and addressing factors that discourage motorcycle adoption; and

(b) calls on the Government to develop a motorcycle strategy through the Motorcycle Safety Consultative Committee to address:

(i) the social and economic benefits of greater use of motorcycles,

(ii) the social and economic cost of road related motorcycle injury and death, and

(iii) the need for a satisfactory national standard for motorcycle helmet certification.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Motorcyclists represent an important and growing part of Australia's overall transport picture. They are a vulnerable group of road users, and the Australian government is committed to improving motorcyclists' safety through its National Road Safety Action Plan. The government's action plan includes the mandating of antilock braking systems for new motorcycles, a measure which will deliver enormous safety benefits for Australian motorcyclists. Standards Australia and the ACCC are similarly in the process of assessing motorcycle helmet supply standards. We think referral of these matters to a committee would duplicate effort and risk delaying the work that is currently underway.

Question agreed to.