Response to Lawrence Springborg MP, from Kim Bax (Mum) - sent on the 5th February 2004

 

87   Coalition Plans for School Bus Safety - Press Conference, Goondiwindi, January 31, 2004 A State Coalition Government will get on with the job of putting seatbelts onto school buses and also double the amount of money available to upgrade the school bus fleet. At present the average age of the bus fleet is 18 years old.

However, I'm wondering if there's a more specific/detailed Co-alition policy document on this issue - either already in place, or in the process of being put together? One that specifically mentions the recommendation of the September 2001 "Queensland School Transport Safety Task Force" to introduce seatbelts on all school buses over the next 15 years - and commits to implementing that policy?  I have also asked Lawrence Springborg MP this question.

Leisa, (Marc Rowell's secretary - he's the National Party Parliamentary Member for Hinchinbrook), emailed me a Co-alition policy document just recently (as a pdf attachment) - but my new, super-tough virus screen wouldn't allow me to open it.  Leisa emailed me again (to get my postal address), so she could send it.  Hopefully, it will drop into my letterbox soon

I also had an email to-day from Tim Mulherin - ALP State Member for Mackay - that concerns me.  I have reproduced (below), an excerpt of my reply to Tim.  This excerpt illustrates my worries:-

"Dear Tim,

Thankyou for your email of 5th February 2004, and your curtesy in replying to me.  As you acknowledge, I am passionate about putting seatbelts in school buses.  However, I am extremely disturbed by this Government's FAILURE to commit to the safety of our children - admitted in your correspondence.  I quote from your most recent email:-

"It would be premature to make specific comments or give any guarantees regarding the recommendations of the Taskforce as they will not be available for scrutiny until April 2004."

This contrasts (very starkly), with the guarantee I've had from my own local State member (Kev Lingard of the National Party).  Here's a key quote from the email he sent me to-day:-

• I agree with your terminology of “banning standing students in 90km/hr and 100km/hr speed zones”.
• I have read Professor Joubert’s letter.
• I do support the full implementation of the recommendations of the Queensland “Task Force” during the life of the next Parliament.
• I am prepared to speak in Parliament regarding this report.

"The Task Force" - Tim - has ALREADY reported (in September 2001).  It's recommendation to fit seatbelts in school buses is a  matter of public record, and has been for some time.  Perhaps though, your Government has cobbled together a SECOND "Task Force" because it didn't like what the first one said?  Let's face it, seatbelts on school buses just might cost a few football stadiums - or foot-bridges over the river for Brisbane residents?"

In a nutshell, Fiona, what an earth is the SECOND "Task Force" that Tim Mulherin refers to - and HOW MANY "Task Force's" is Mr. Beattie going to convene before he gets the answer (I fear), he might want e.g. that he doesn't have to spend Government money on seat-belting Queensland school children?  I have asked Lawrence Springborg (the leader of your party), investigate this for me.

Also, could you please confirm (as did Kev Lingard, my local State Member), that you have read Professor Joubert's chilling prediction about the potential devastation from a school bus crash in present circumstances.  The full text of the Professor's letter is available on the front page of my web site.

I look forward to hearing from you again.

All the best - Kim