20 May 2002

Young Labour agrees that Parliament should address the problem of
dangerous driving but is concerned that the current debate surrounding the
Land Transport (Street and Illegal Drag Racing) Amendment Bill stigmatises
young people as irresponsible criminals.

Young Labour members discussed their concerns at their annual conference
last Friday, which was attended by over fifty activists from Young Labour
groups around the country.

"Parliament should consider ways of making sure the kind of street racing
activity currently taking place on public roads instead occurs safely on
private property, under controlled conditions. Unless this happens,
illegal street racing will continue to occur on public roads, endangering
the street racers and the public," Jordan Carter said.

Young Labour believes that the select committee should encourage the
people engaging in illegal street racing to present their own solution to
the problem.

"If this means holding a meeting at 11pm on a Friday night where street
racers have gathered, so be it," said Jordan Carter. "The select
committee must take the political process to the street racers rather than
waiting for them to come to the political process," he said.

"I call on the Law and Order select committee and other MPs to look at the
issues fairly, and not use emotive language that stigmatises the people
involved," said Jordan Carter.

Young Labour believes that young people's views should be considered
whenever legislation is created that may affect them. "Young Labour
supports policies that allow young people to be part of solutions rather
than problems," Jordan Carter said.

ENDS

Contact:
Jordan Carter
President, NZ Young Labour

021 442 649
carters@ihug.co.nz

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