❓ Ms. Quirk questions the Minister for Road Safety on new mobile phone laws in cars, and how they will improve safety and be communicated to the public and police. The Minister clarifies the regulations, highlighting changes regarding texting and email use while driving.
AnsweredQoN 24Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
ROAD SAFETY — MOBILE PHONE USE IN CARS
I refer to the minister’s recent announcement of new laws concerning the use of mobile phones in cars. (1) Can the minister explain how these new laws will benefit road safety outcomes? (2) Is the minister able to explain how these changes will be communicated both to the public and to police? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
I refer to the minister’s recent announcement of new laws concerning the use of mobile phones in cars. (1) Can the minister explain how these new laws will benefit road safety outcomes? (2) Is the minister able to explain how these changes will be communicated both to the public and to police? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) It is fair to say that it is important that everybody knows the road rules in relation to using hand-held mobile phones. I read with interest that the member for Girrawheen tried to abstain from using her mobile phone in the car for about three months but she could not live without it, so she now uses her mobile phone. I suggest most members in this house use mobile phones when they are driving. I would assume that they do that appropriately and have it either in its holder or use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or another hands-free system. Since 2001 it has been legal in Western Australia to use a hand-held mobile phone provided it is in a holder or it is in a hands-free device and the phone is not touched. Drivers have been able to make and receive calls. A court case in South Australia in 2007 caused a problem. A judge ruled in that state that it did not matter whether a phone was in a holder, loose or being held up to a person’s ear; it was still considered to be use of a hand-held mobile phone. Today, so many phones are part of vehicles and Bluetooth technology is used. I want to stress that in 2001, when this Parliament agreed to the use of hand-held mobile phones—that is, not holding them up to your ear to talk or drive one-handed around bends and corners, which is a danger—it was agreed they could be used provided they were in a holder, to receive and make calls. Of course in 2001 we did not have the facility of texting like we do now. We did not have the facility of emails coming through on the mobile phone. Many members have BlackBerrys and suchlike which are capable of receiving emails — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We were texting; you might not have been! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
(1) Can the minister explain how these new laws will benefit road safety outcomes? (2) Is the minister able to explain how these changes will be communicated both to the public and to police? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) It is fair to say that it is important that everybody knows the road rules in relation to using hand-held mobile phones. I read with interest that the member for Girrawheen tried to abstain from using her mobile phone in the car for about three months but she could not live without it, so she now uses her mobile phone. I suggest most members in this house use mobile phones when they are driving. I would assume that they do that appropriately and have it either in its holder or use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or another hands-free system. Since 2001 it has been legal in Western Australia to use a hand-held mobile phone provided it is in a holder or it is in a hands-free device and the phone is not touched. Drivers have been able to make and receive calls. A court case in South Australia in 2007 caused a problem. A judge ruled in that state that it did not matter whether a phone was in a holder, loose or being held up to a person’s ear; it was still considered to be use of a hand-held mobile phone. Today, so many phones are part of vehicles and Bluetooth technology is used. I want to stress that in 2001, when this Parliament agreed to the use of hand-held mobile phones—that is, not holding them up to your ear to talk or drive one-handed around bends and corners, which is a danger—it was agreed they could be used provided they were in a holder, to receive and make calls. Of course in 2001 we did not have the facility of texting like we do now. We did not have the facility of emails coming through on the mobile phone. Many members have BlackBerrys and suchlike which are capable of receiving emails — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We were texting; you might not have been! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
(2) Is the minister able to explain how these changes will be communicated both to the public and to police? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) It is fair to say that it is important that everybody knows the road rules in relation to using hand-held mobile phones. I read with interest that the member for Girrawheen tried to abstain from using her mobile phone in the car for about three months but she could not live without it, so she now uses her mobile phone. I suggest most members in this house use mobile phones when they are driving. I would assume that they do that appropriately and have it either in its holder or use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or another hands-free system. Since 2001 it has been legal in Western Australia to use a hand-held mobile phone provided it is in a holder or it is in a hands-free device and the phone is not touched. Drivers have been able to make and receive calls. A court case in South Australia in 2007 caused a problem. A judge ruled in that state that it did not matter whether a phone was in a holder, loose or being held up to a person’s ear; it was still considered to be use of a hand-held mobile phone. Today, so many phones are part of vehicles and Bluetooth technology is used. I want to stress that in 2001, when this Parliament agreed to the use of hand-held mobile phones—that is, not holding them up to your ear to talk or drive one-handed around bends and corners, which is a danger—it was agreed they could be used provided they were in a holder, to receive and make calls. Of course in 2001 we did not have the facility of texting like we do now. We did not have the facility of emails coming through on the mobile phone. Many members have BlackBerrys and suchlike which are capable of receiving emails — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We were texting; you might not have been! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) It is fair to say that it is important that everybody knows the road rules in relation to using hand-held mobile phones. I read with interest that the member for Girrawheen tried to abstain from using her mobile phone in the car for about three months but she could not live without it, so she now uses her mobile phone. I suggest most members in this house use mobile phones when they are driving. I would assume that they do that appropriately and have it either in its holder or use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or another hands-free system. Since 2001 it has been legal in Western Australia to use a hand-held mobile phone provided it is in a holder or it is in a hands-free device and the phone is not touched. Drivers have been able to make and receive calls. A court case in South Australia in 2007 caused a problem. A judge ruled in that state that it did not matter whether a phone was in a holder, loose or being held up to a person’s ear; it was still considered to be use of a hand-held mobile phone. Today, so many phones are part of vehicles and Bluetooth technology is used. I want to stress that in 2001, when this Parliament agreed to the use of hand-held mobile phones—that is, not holding them up to your ear to talk or drive one-handed around bends and corners, which is a danger—it was agreed they could be used provided they were in a holder, to receive and make calls. Of course in 2001 we did not have the facility of texting like we do now. We did not have the facility of emails coming through on the mobile phone. Many members have BlackBerrys and suchlike which are capable of receiving emails — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We were texting; you might not have been! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) It is fair to say that it is important that everybody knows the road rules in relation to using hand-held mobile phones. I read with interest that the member for Girrawheen tried to abstain from using her mobile phone in the car for about three months but she could not live without it, so she now uses her mobile phone. I suggest most members in this house use mobile phones when they are driving. I would assume that they do that appropriately and have it either in its holder or use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or another hands-free system. Since 2001 it has been legal in Western Australia to use a hand-held mobile phone provided it is in a holder or it is in a hands-free device and the phone is not touched. Drivers have been able to make and receive calls. A court case in South Australia in 2007 caused a problem. A judge ruled in that state that it did not matter whether a phone was in a holder, loose or being held up to a person’s ear; it was still considered to be use of a hand-held mobile phone. Today, so many phones are part of vehicles and Bluetooth technology is used. I want to stress that in 2001, when this Parliament agreed to the use of hand-held mobile phones—that is, not holding them up to your ear to talk or drive one-handed around bends and corners, which is a danger—it was agreed they could be used provided they were in a holder, to receive and make calls. Of course in 2001 we did not have the facility of texting like we do now. We did not have the facility of emails coming through on the mobile phone. Many members have BlackBerrys and suchlike which are capable of receiving emails — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We were texting; you might not have been! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
(1)–(2) It is fair to say that it is important that everybody knows the road rules in relation to using hand-held mobile phones. I read with interest that the member for Girrawheen tried to abstain from using her mobile phone in the car for about three months but she could not live without it, so she now uses her mobile phone. I suggest most members in this house use mobile phones when they are driving. I would assume that they do that appropriately and have it either in its holder or use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or another hands-free system. Since 2001 it has been legal in Western Australia to use a hand-held mobile phone provided it is in a holder or it is in a hands-free device and the phone is not touched. Drivers have been able to make and receive calls. A court case in South Australia in 2007 caused a problem. A judge ruled in that state that it did not matter whether a phone was in a holder, loose or being held up to a person’s ear; it was still considered to be use of a hand-held mobile phone. Today, so many phones are part of vehicles and Bluetooth technology is used. I want to stress that in 2001, when this Parliament agreed to the use of hand-held mobile phones—that is, not holding them up to your ear to talk or drive one-handed around bends and corners, which is a danger—it was agreed they could be used provided they were in a holder, to receive and make calls. Of course in 2001 we did not have the facility of texting like we do now. We did not have the facility of emails coming through on the mobile phone. Many members have BlackBerrys and suchlike which are capable of receiving emails — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We were texting; you might not have been! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Since 2001 it has been legal in Western Australia to use a hand-held mobile phone provided it is in a holder or it is in a hands-free device and the phone is not touched. Drivers have been able to make and receive calls. A court case in South Australia in 2007 caused a problem. A judge ruled in that state that it did not matter whether a phone was in a holder, loose or being held up to a person’s ear; it was still considered to be use of a hand-held mobile phone. Today, so many phones are part of vehicles and Bluetooth technology is used. I want to stress that in 2001, when this Parliament agreed to the use of hand-held mobile phones—that is, not holding them up to your ear to talk or drive one-handed around bends and corners, which is a danger—it was agreed they could be used provided they were in a holder, to receive and make calls. Of course in 2001 we did not have the facility of texting like we do now. We did not have the facility of emails coming through on the mobile phone. Many members have BlackBerrys and suchlike which are capable of receiving emails — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We were texting; you might not have been! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : We were texting; you might not have been! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
(1) Can the minister explain how these new laws will benefit road safety outcomes? (2) Is the minister able to explain how these changes will be communicated both to the public and to police? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) It is fair to say that it is important that everybody knows the road rules in relation to using hand-held mobile phones. I read with interest that the member for Girrawheen tried to abstain from using her mobile phone in the car for about three months but she could not live without it, so she now uses her mobile phone. I suggest most members in this house use mobile phones when they are driving. I would assume that they do that appropriately and have it either in its holder or use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or another hands-free system. Since 2001 it has been legal in Western Australia to use a hand-held mobile phone provided it is in a holder or it is in a hands-free device and the phone is not touched. Drivers have been able to make and receive calls. A court case in South Australia in 2007 caused a problem. A judge ruled in that state that it did not matter whether a phone was in a holder, loose or being held up to a person’s ear; it was still considered to be use of a hand-held mobile phone. Today, so many phones are part of vehicles and Bluetooth technology is used. I want to stress that in 2001, when this Parliament agreed to the use of hand-held mobile phones—that is, not holding them up to your ear to talk or drive one-handed around bends and corners, which is a danger—it was agreed they could be used provided they were in a holder, to receive and make calls. Of course in 2001 we did not have the facility of texting like we do now. We did not have the facility of emails coming through on the mobile phone. Many members have BlackBerrys and suchlike which are capable of receiving emails — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We were texting; you might not have been! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
(2) Is the minister able to explain how these changes will be communicated both to the public and to police? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) It is fair to say that it is important that everybody knows the road rules in relation to using hand-held mobile phones. I read with interest that the member for Girrawheen tried to abstain from using her mobile phone in the car for about three months but she could not live without it, so she now uses her mobile phone. I suggest most members in this house use mobile phones when they are driving. I would assume that they do that appropriately and have it either in its holder or use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or another hands-free system. Since 2001 it has been legal in Western Australia to use a hand-held mobile phone provided it is in a holder or it is in a hands-free device and the phone is not touched. Drivers have been able to make and receive calls. A court case in South Australia in 2007 caused a problem. A judge ruled in that state that it did not matter whether a phone was in a holder, loose or being held up to a person’s ear; it was still considered to be use of a hand-held mobile phone. Today, so many phones are part of vehicles and Bluetooth technology is used. I want to stress that in 2001, when this Parliament agreed to the use of hand-held mobile phones—that is, not holding them up to your ear to talk or drive one-handed around bends and corners, which is a danger—it was agreed they could be used provided they were in a holder, to receive and make calls. Of course in 2001 we did not have the facility of texting like we do now. We did not have the facility of emails coming through on the mobile phone. Many members have BlackBerrys and suchlike which are capable of receiving emails — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We were texting; you might not have been! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) It is fair to say that it is important that everybody knows the road rules in relation to using hand-held mobile phones. I read with interest that the member for Girrawheen tried to abstain from using her mobile phone in the car for about three months but she could not live without it, so she now uses her mobile phone. I suggest most members in this house use mobile phones when they are driving. I would assume that they do that appropriately and have it either in its holder or use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or another hands-free system. Since 2001 it has been legal in Western Australia to use a hand-held mobile phone provided it is in a holder or it is in a hands-free device and the phone is not touched. Drivers have been able to make and receive calls. A court case in South Australia in 2007 caused a problem. A judge ruled in that state that it did not matter whether a phone was in a holder, loose or being held up to a person’s ear; it was still considered to be use of a hand-held mobile phone. Today, so many phones are part of vehicles and Bluetooth technology is used. I want to stress that in 2001, when this Parliament agreed to the use of hand-held mobile phones—that is, not holding them up to your ear to talk or drive one-handed around bends and corners, which is a danger—it was agreed they could be used provided they were in a holder, to receive and make calls. Of course in 2001 we did not have the facility of texting like we do now. We did not have the facility of emails coming through on the mobile phone. Many members have BlackBerrys and suchlike which are capable of receiving emails — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We were texting; you might not have been! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) It is fair to say that it is important that everybody knows the road rules in relation to using hand-held mobile phones. I read with interest that the member for Girrawheen tried to abstain from using her mobile phone in the car for about three months but she could not live without it, so she now uses her mobile phone. I suggest most members in this house use mobile phones when they are driving. I would assume that they do that appropriately and have it either in its holder or use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or another hands-free system. Since 2001 it has been legal in Western Australia to use a hand-held mobile phone provided it is in a holder or it is in a hands-free device and the phone is not touched. Drivers have been able to make and receive calls. A court case in South Australia in 2007 caused a problem. A judge ruled in that state that it did not matter whether a phone was in a holder, loose or being held up to a person’s ear; it was still considered to be use of a hand-held mobile phone. Today, so many phones are part of vehicles and Bluetooth technology is used. I want to stress that in 2001, when this Parliament agreed to the use of hand-held mobile phones—that is, not holding them up to your ear to talk or drive one-handed around bends and corners, which is a danger—it was agreed they could be used provided they were in a holder, to receive and make calls. Of course in 2001 we did not have the facility of texting like we do now. We did not have the facility of emails coming through on the mobile phone. Many members have BlackBerrys and suchlike which are capable of receiving emails — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We were texting; you might not have been! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
(1)–(2) It is fair to say that it is important that everybody knows the road rules in relation to using hand-held mobile phones. I read with interest that the member for Girrawheen tried to abstain from using her mobile phone in the car for about three months but she could not live without it, so she now uses her mobile phone. I suggest most members in this house use mobile phones when they are driving. I would assume that they do that appropriately and have it either in its holder or use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or another hands-free system. Since 2001 it has been legal in Western Australia to use a hand-held mobile phone provided it is in a holder or it is in a hands-free device and the phone is not touched. Drivers have been able to make and receive calls. A court case in South Australia in 2007 caused a problem. A judge ruled in that state that it did not matter whether a phone was in a holder, loose or being held up to a person’s ear; it was still considered to be use of a hand-held mobile phone. Today, so many phones are part of vehicles and Bluetooth technology is used. I want to stress that in 2001, when this Parliament agreed to the use of hand-held mobile phones—that is, not holding them up to your ear to talk or drive one-handed around bends and corners, which is a danger—it was agreed they could be used provided they were in a holder, to receive and make calls. Of course in 2001 we did not have the facility of texting like we do now. We did not have the facility of emails coming through on the mobile phone. Many members have BlackBerrys and suchlike which are capable of receiving emails — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We were texting; you might not have been! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Since 2001 it has been legal in Western Australia to use a hand-held mobile phone provided it is in a holder or it is in a hands-free device and the phone is not touched. Drivers have been able to make and receive calls. A court case in South Australia in 2007 caused a problem. A judge ruled in that state that it did not matter whether a phone was in a holder, loose or being held up to a person’s ear; it was still considered to be use of a hand-held mobile phone. Today, so many phones are part of vehicles and Bluetooth technology is used. I want to stress that in 2001, when this Parliament agreed to the use of hand-held mobile phones—that is, not holding them up to your ear to talk or drive one-handed around bends and corners, which is a danger—it was agreed they could be used provided they were in a holder, to receive and make calls. Of course in 2001 we did not have the facility of texting like we do now. We did not have the facility of emails coming through on the mobile phone. Many members have BlackBerrys and suchlike which are capable of receiving emails — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We were texting; you might not have been! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : We were texting; you might not have been! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members would not have had the benefit then of being able to use those facilities with a Bluetooth or other hands-free system. We have now tried to make it crystal clear as to what people can and cannot do with a mobile phone in a car. In 2007, state and territory ministers met, as they normally do, to look at the Australian road rules. They considered the implications of the South Australian court’s decision. They said this issue needed to be clarified because mobile phones have so many capabilities. Mobile phones can be used, as members know, for navigational purposes; especially the latest ones. To make it crystal clear, the regulation now is that the only time drivers can use a mobile phone in a vehicle is if it is in a holder. Mobile phones can be used to receive and make calls but it must be kept away from the driver so that it cannot be touched. The driver may use a hands-free system such as the Bluetooth system. That has been happening since 2001; nothing has changed. We have made it quite clear that drivers are not able to either read a text or an email that comes through. Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr A.J. Waddell : Or music? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Drivers are not able to touch their mobile phone other than to receive or make a call. That is the only time a driver is able to touch that phone. Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The way we are going now, a lot of people have got voice dialling. Within a couple of years or so I would suggest most people, particularly members of Parliament—there are so many iPads in the chamber—will have that facility. Members are getting really modern with all these new things! I am still struggling with my laptop! Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Ms M.M. Quirk : So you can dial a number as long as it is in a cradle? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At the moment the number can be dialled if the mobile phone is in a cradle. That is no different from what it has been since 2001. If we did not allow this regulation to go through, we would have mayhem out there because a driver would be able to text, as long as the mobile phone was in a holder. Drivers cannot do that as from 1 March. That is the difference in law now. That is why the eastern states have done all this and they are promoting it — Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Ms M.M. Quirk : How is it improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Well, the eastern states will tell the member for Girrawheen that the new laws will make things safer on roads than they are at the moment. Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Ms M.M. Quirk : I am asking you. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying the same. I still recommend to anybody to not use their mobile phone when they are driving. People should particularly not use mobile phones by holding them up to their ears, carrying on a conversation and going around bends and corners with one hand, because that is what I see many drivers doing and they are truly a danger. I hope no member of Parliament does that. I know that most members would have hands-free kits in their cars and they would use their mobile phones for receiving calls. Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Ms M.M. Quirk : So it is not improving road safety outcomes? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am saying people should try not to use mobile phones while driving, but if they have to use them, at least they will be able to do so legally, which they have been able to do since 2001. However, they will not be able to send text messages. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Ms M.M. Quirk : Why not just say that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am just telling the member that; she does not listen. Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Ms M.M. Quirk : The topic was discussed on talkback radio for four days because everyone was so confused by it. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am sorry if the member for Girrawheen was confused, but I will tell her something: there has been virtually no talkback radio whatsoever on the topic; there have been hardly any letters to the editor. Does the member know why? It is because 75 per cent of people out there on those roads are using mobile phones when they drive; the same as the member for Girrawheen and members all around the chamber do. Because, they use mobile phones while driving in a responsible way, I hope, and they do not hold the phones up to their ears, which is where the real danger lies.
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Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.