September 3, 2019
Drink drivers will face increased penalties under new laws introduced on Wednesday.
The changes will compel all people convicted of a drink-driving offence to complete an education intervention program before they can reapply for their driver’s licence.
In addition, the alcohol interlock program – which requires drink drivers to unlock their cars by passing a breath test on a device installed in their vehicle – will be expanded to include mid-range offenders.
Drivers who refuse to install an interlock will also see the current “sit out period” during which they cannot drive extended from two years to five years.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said drink-driving accounted for a quarter of Queensland’s road toll, and tougher laws were needed.
“Last year, 63 people died on Queensland roads because of drink drivers. The year before it was 43 people,” Mr Bailey said.
“This is unacceptable.”
Mr Bailey said mid-range drink drivers account for more than a quarter of all drink-driving offenders, and have a crash risk 20 times greater than someone who hasn’t had a drink.
“That’s why we’re proposing to expand the alcohol ignition interlock program to include drink drivers with a Blood Alcohol Concentration between 0.10 and 0.149.
“Under the new laws, drink drivers will need to have an alcohol interlock in their vehicle until they can show a consistent record of clear breath tests over time.”
Mr Bailey said education was a key focus of the new legislation.
“There is currently no legislative requirement for drink-driving offenders to complete intervention or education programs as part of their return to driving,” Mr Bailey said.
“Research indicates that education programs delivered to both first-time and repeat drink-driving offenders reduces the rate of re-offending.
“The new laws will compel all first-time offenders to complete an online Brief Intervention Education Program before they can drive again.
“Repeat offenders will also have to complete a more intensive, multi-session program to help them change their behaviour.”
Mr Bailey said the changes were another step towards reducing road trauma caused by drink drivers and would help make roads safer.
The reforms to Queensland’s drink-driving laws will be rolled out over the next two years.
