May 23, 2017
Young people aged 15 to 17 will soon be able to obtain proof-of-age cards under legislative changes being introduced in State Parliament on Tuesday.
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad introduced a range of amendments to existing statutes in the Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Bill.
“These changes are all about streamlining existing rules and regulations as well as providing clearer understanding of their requirements,” Ms Trad said.
“The move to give young people between 15 and 17 proof-of-age cards recognises the changing needs of millennials, particularly in being able to access bank accounts and phone contracts.”
The amendments will also reduce red tape for customers who use Transport and Main Roads centres.
“We will do this through removing the requirement for customers to complete application forms for a number of services including license and registration renewal,” Ms Trad said.
The bill will also remove the requirement to apply on an approved form for a restricted driver licence, alcohol ignition interlock exemption or nominate a vehicle for the interlock program.
A targeted trial of the new system will begin in the second half of 2017 before it is expanded.
“This is a contemporary way of conducting business and not only saves time for the customer but reduces transaction times for customer service centre staff,” Ms Trad said.
It was also anticipated the changes would save money due to a decrease in the number of forms printed and a reduction in associated warehousing, distribution and storage costs of records.
Ms Trad said the amendment bill also made a number of changes in the regulation of dangerous goods, transport of commercial vessel rules and driver authorisation.
“The Transport portfolio is an extensive and diverse field whose regulatory requirements impact almost all Queenslanders at some stage of their lives,” Ms Trad said.
“Therefore it’s essential the rules we live by are regularly reviewed and amended where required to reflect our modern world.”
The Bill will be debated later this year.
