Bert Van Manen (Forde, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the efforts of Vicki Bailey and the team at Soroptimist International at Beenleigh for their Walk the Talk event to raise funds to support the STAAR program at the Beenleigh PCYC. The STAR program is Standing Tall against Abusive Relationships and it is run by a wonderful lady, Larissa, who herself was a victim of domestic violence. The program at the moment is helping some 40 to 50 women dealing with the effects of domestic violence in their lives. I thank them for their efforts and what they are putting back into our community.

I would also like to take this opportunity to table a petition on behalf of one of my constituents, Mr Stephen Corcoran, advocating higher safety standards for truck drivers and seeking to bring to the attention of the broader community some of the issues truck drivers face on a regular basis. This came out of his being involved in a major accident many years ago and the recent death of a friend in an accident.

The petition read as follows—

TO THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

This Petition to Recognise Deaths in the Transport Industry

Draws to the attention of the House that Too many professional Truckies die on our roads, at rates of up to 30:1 compared to any other job in Australia !

Decreasing the Road Toll and providing incentives for safer roads is in every human beings interest.

We therefore ask the House to act now to include Danger Money as part of our award, paid as a Tax Free amount of $100 dollars per day.

from two citizens.

Petition received.