On the evening of Wednesday 28th January 2004 (around 8pm), Warren rang me at home to discuss the issue of seatbelts on school buses (in response to emails I had sent him on this subject).
This is not unusual for Warren, who during 2001 (around the time of the last State election, when I was last lobbying hard), was always available to speak to me. He always returned calls and was unfailingly amenable and supportive to me - in contrast to his nearby ALP State member colleagues (Desley Boyle from Cairns, Steve Bredhauer from Cooke and Lesley Ann Clark from Barron River). Unlike Warren, their communications with me were extremely formal and limited to the "official party line" - except in the case of Steve Bredhauer (also Minister for Transport), who left a voicemail message on my friend's mobile phone - banning me from speaking to the entire Queensland Transport Department (he disliked a radio interview I'd done about seatbelts on school buses, 4BC).
I was also in contact with another "ordinary mum" from Warren Pitt's electorate (in 2000/01). She was lobbying hard to get seatbelts on school buses - and had put a huge amount of energy into gathering hundreds of signatures. Warren consistently let her use his office facilities as and when she needed them - fax, phone, copying and anything else she needed,
He told me on 28th January 2004 (when he phoned), that he completely supports the introduction of seatbelts on school buses (and the implementation of "Task Force" recommendations), and thinks it's a long overdue reform. In his opinion, any initial difficulties (like older kids refusing to wear them), would soon be overcome by education and habit. He likened it to the introduction of helmets for bike riders e.g., something that was resisted at first - but something now widely accepted and practised.
He said he has read Professor Joubert's letter to me (of August 2000 - predicting a potential catastrophe in any school bus accident). He will continue to lobby within the ALP for reform - and continue to help any member of his local electorate who wishes to push this issue.
This Warren Pitt - State member for Mulgrave (ALP). Click on the picture to email him.
Warren was a local teacher in the Cairns area and has been widely involved in various local projects.
(also click HERE to be taken to a quote from Warren in the Qld Parliament)
Hi Warren,
Thankyou so much for phoning me at home last night. Your call was appreciated.
I think people's cynicism with politicians (and the political process), is in most cases richly deserved. Since I began lobbying for seatbelts on school buses in 2000, I have been in contact with MANY politicians (or attempted contact) - and I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that you stand out as the most approachable, genuine and sensible one I've come across.
I look forward to discussing the issue of seatbelts on school buses with you in the future - and trust you will be lobbying within the ALP for this long overdue reform.
All the best - Kim