21 May 2002

MP Off To Examine ‘Boy-Racer’ Legislation Across The Tasman

New Zealand First Law and Order Spokesman Ron Mark left today on a fact finding mission to investigate ‘boy-racer’ legislation in New South Wales, Australia.

Mr Mark sits on the Law and Order Select Committee which is considering the Land Transport (Street and Illegal Drag Racing) Amendment Bill. The Bill seeks to curb ‘boy-racing’ and is based on existing New South Wales law.

Mr Mark, who will accompany New Zealand Police officials on the two day visit, will get a first-hand look at how New South Wales Police are dealing with the ‘boy-racer’ problem and the effectiveness of the legislation.

“Of particular interest to me will be the face to face discussion between New Zealand Police and New South Wales Police on the practicalities of the ‘boy-racer’ legislation. I want to hear from the horse’s mouth just how effective their legislation is.

“I specifically want to know what extra resources will need to be allocated to New Zealand Police to enable them to effectively enforce any new laws to crack-down on boy-racing.

“It is pointless to put token law changes in place if you don’t allocate the Police the resources to put them into effect.

“New Zealand urgently needs to get these hoons off the streets and should learn as much as we can from the complete New South Wales model, Mr Mark said.

Janet Mackey MP and Ken Shirley MP will also be accompanying New Zealand Police Senior Advisor Inspector Ian James, New Zealand Police Legal Adviser John Sutton, New Zealand Police North Shore / Waitakere Road Safety Manager Superintendent Dick Trimble, and Ministry of Transport Senior Advisor Hugh Hanna.

ENDS

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