❓ Question regarding costs associated with impounded vehicles due to hoon and licensing offences, and the potential benefits of removing unroadworthy vehicles from roads. Minister provides figures on uncollected vehicles and defends the impoundment policy.
AnsweredQoN 157Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
IMPOUNDED VEHICLES COST — POLICE
I refer to the vehicles that are currently being impounded for either hoon offences or licensing offences. (1) What percentage of those vehicles are not being retrieved by their owners? (2) Can the minister confirm that this will result in unanticipated and significant costs being incurred by WA Police? (3) Given that the values of these vehicles are at the lower end and that these vehicles are often unroadworthy, does the minister consider that in the interests of road safety these vehicles should reman off the roads? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
I refer to the vehicles that are currently being impounded for either hoon offences or licensing offences. (1) What percentage of those vehicles are not being retrieved by their owners? (2) Can the minister confirm that this will result in unanticipated and significant costs being incurred by WA Police? (3) Given that the values of these vehicles are at the lower end and that these vehicles are often unroadworthy, does the minister consider that in the interests of road safety these vehicles should reman off the roads? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(3) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question. It is almost a dorothy dixer, quite frankly. I appreciate it. I appreciate the assistance that the member gives me. Mr E.S. Ripper : Then you might be able to give an answer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Leader of the Opposition, I will always give an answer. I really will. Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
(1) What percentage of those vehicles are not being retrieved by their owners? (2) Can the minister confirm that this will result in unanticipated and significant costs being incurred by WA Police? (3) Given that the values of these vehicles are at the lower end and that these vehicles are often unroadworthy, does the minister consider that in the interests of road safety these vehicles should reman off the roads? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(3) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question. It is almost a dorothy dixer, quite frankly. I appreciate it. I appreciate the assistance that the member gives me. Mr E.S. Ripper : Then you might be able to give an answer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Leader of the Opposition, I will always give an answer. I really will. Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
(2) Can the minister confirm that this will result in unanticipated and significant costs being incurred by WA Police? (3) Given that the values of these vehicles are at the lower end and that these vehicles are often unroadworthy, does the minister consider that in the interests of road safety these vehicles should reman off the roads? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(3) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question. It is almost a dorothy dixer, quite frankly. I appreciate it. I appreciate the assistance that the member gives me. Mr E.S. Ripper : Then you might be able to give an answer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Leader of the Opposition, I will always give an answer. I really will. Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
(3) Given that the values of these vehicles are at the lower end and that these vehicles are often unroadworthy, does the minister consider that in the interests of road safety these vehicles should reman off the roads? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(3) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question. It is almost a dorothy dixer, quite frankly. I appreciate it. I appreciate the assistance that the member gives me. Mr E.S. Ripper : Then you might be able to give an answer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Leader of the Opposition, I will always give an answer. I really will. Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(3) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question. It is almost a dorothy dixer, quite frankly. I appreciate it. I appreciate the assistance that the member gives me. Mr E.S. Ripper : Then you might be able to give an answer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Leader of the Opposition, I will always give an answer. I really will. Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
(1)–(3) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question. It is almost a dorothy dixer, quite frankly. I appreciate it. I appreciate the assistance that the member gives me. Mr E.S. Ripper : Then you might be able to give an answer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Leader of the Opposition, I will always give an answer. I really will. Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Then you might be able to give an answer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Leader of the Opposition, I will always give an answer. I really will. Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Leader of the Opposition, I will always give an answer. I really will. Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
(1) What percentage of those vehicles are not being retrieved by their owners? (2) Can the minister confirm that this will result in unanticipated and significant costs being incurred by WA Police? (3) Given that the values of these vehicles are at the lower end and that these vehicles are often unroadworthy, does the minister consider that in the interests of road safety these vehicles should reman off the roads? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(3) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question. It is almost a dorothy dixer, quite frankly. I appreciate it. I appreciate the assistance that the member gives me. Mr E.S. Ripper : Then you might be able to give an answer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Leader of the Opposition, I will always give an answer. I really will. Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
(2) Can the minister confirm that this will result in unanticipated and significant costs being incurred by WA Police? (3) Given that the values of these vehicles are at the lower end and that these vehicles are often unroadworthy, does the minister consider that in the interests of road safety these vehicles should reman off the roads? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(3) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question. It is almost a dorothy dixer, quite frankly. I appreciate it. I appreciate the assistance that the member gives me. Mr E.S. Ripper : Then you might be able to give an answer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Leader of the Opposition, I will always give an answer. I really will. Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
(3) Given that the values of these vehicles are at the lower end and that these vehicles are often unroadworthy, does the minister consider that in the interests of road safety these vehicles should reman off the roads? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(3) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question. It is almost a dorothy dixer, quite frankly. I appreciate it. I appreciate the assistance that the member gives me. Mr E.S. Ripper : Then you might be able to give an answer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Leader of the Opposition, I will always give an answer. I really will. Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(3) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question. It is almost a dorothy dixer, quite frankly. I appreciate it. I appreciate the assistance that the member gives me. Mr E.S. Ripper : Then you might be able to give an answer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Leader of the Opposition, I will always give an answer. I really will. Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
(1)–(3) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question. It is almost a dorothy dixer, quite frankly. I appreciate it. I appreciate the assistance that the member gives me. Mr E.S. Ripper : Then you might be able to give an answer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Leader of the Opposition, I will always give an answer. I really will. Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Then you might be able to give an answer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Leader of the Opposition, I will always give an answer. I really will. Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Leader of the Opposition, I will always give an answer. I really will. Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You will always give what purports to be an answer! The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
The SPEAKER : Order! Thank you, members. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Let me just say this. This legislation, which comes under the Road Traffic Act, I think is very good legislation. Some of this legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I have complimented them on that. The unlicensed drivers’ legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. I supported it at the time. The hoon legislation is legislation that members opposite brought in. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember when he was on this side of the house? I am giving him a taste of his own medicine. Let me just say this. I am sure there is a press release waiting to go out on this answer; I am sure there is. I have to tell the member for Girrawheen that the media are getting very sceptical about her press releases. That is because they are so inaccurate—bordering on untruthful—that the media are paying no credence to them whatsoever. The runs that the member was expecting in The West and on the news and all the rest of it are just not happening. Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Both these pieces of legislation are very good. As I have said, they were brought in by the previous government. All I did is that on 1 January this year, I increased the impounding period. The impounding period that was put in place by the former government was a joke. It was not a deterrent at all. What has happened is that thousands and thousands of people have had their vehicles impounded. I cannot give the member the exact number, but I will find out. I will get it. In total, I think about 8 000 vehicles have been impounded under either the unlicensed drivers’ legislation or the hoon legislation. It is around that figure. I do not want to mislead the Parliament. I will get the actual figure for the member today, if I can. Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Ms M.M. Quirk : What percentage of those vehicles are not being collected? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : From the figures that I have seen, about 650 vehicles have not been collected, obviously because the value of the vehicle is less than the cost of retrieving the vehicle. I suggest that most of these vehicles could be described as old heaps that have been driven by people — Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : A bit like you! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : People in glass houses should not throw stones! This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
This is a serious issue. I think the number is something like 650. Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.H. Cook : You said before that it was a dorothy dixer! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why I wanted it! It is a good question! It is a good story! Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition would keep quiet, I will do. I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
I think about 650 vehicles have not been retrieved by their owners, because it is not worthwhile to pay the $950 that it will cost them to retrieve their vehicle. There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
There are two benefits here, particularly for road safety, if the member is serious about road safety. The first is that many of these vehicles are unsafe. We are getting these vehicles off the roads. That is a good thing. If these vehicles are sold at auction, they may fetch only $100 or $150. Before people can drive these vehicles on the roads, the vehicles need to be taken over the pits and meet the roadworthy test. That is a good thing for road safety. The beauty is that we have taken these vehicles off the roads. We have taken them off the roads in gusto. The second benefit is that the majority of the vehicles that are being impounded are coming from unlicensed drivers. The member for Girrawheen well knows the percentage of unlicensed drivers who used to contribute, and probably still are contributing, to the road crash statistics in Western Australia. I think the last estimate was that it was about 17 per cent. These people have lost their licence by court order, for drink driving, reckless driving or accumulating too many demerit points. I want to get these people off our roads. I really do. This legislation is achieving that. These people cannot get back into their own car, and they cannot drive another vehicle, because, if they do, that vehicle will be impounded too. There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
There have been very few second offences under the hoon legislation in the past six months; there have been some, but I think the number has decreased. I think there have been only three third offences, resulting in the vehicles either being confiscated, crushed or whatever—one was given back, I think, about which I was not too happy. I think the legislation is working. I have complimented the former minister for originally bringing that legislation in. I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
I seem to be getting the blame for what happened with the Lamborghini, the Ferrari and the Mini Cooper. The member for Girrawheen is blaming me for the hoon legislation in her press releases. She is blaming me for those people having lost their vehicles. Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Ms M.M. Quirk : No; I’m blaming you for how you handled it, minister! There’s a big difference! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is blaming me for any amendments I am trying to put into the legislation to correct the opposition’s legislation. For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
For six years very little happened, and then there were the incidents with the Ferrari, the Lamborghini and the Mini Cooper. I have tried to cover other eventualities as much as I possibly can. I have even put a clause in the amending bill to enable me to issue a regulation if some unforeseen circumstance occurs. I have even accepted, in good faith, some of the amendments put forward by the member when the bill went through this house. I gave a commitment that I would look at those closely, and that if I thought there was some merit in their overall concept, I would ensure that they were moved in the upper house. Those amendments had a lot of basis to them and the member for Girrawheen can put her hand on her heart and say she played a part in that legislation. I am not proud; if a good amendment is put forward, I will accept it. The previous minister would never, ever accept an amendment that any of our side put forward. Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Ms M.M. Quirk : Next stop, the stop-and-search laws! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We are far more understanding and accommodating when we see that there is some commonsense to the amendments. But let us make it quite clear: we are amending the former government’s legislation, not mine. I hope that the opposition agrees that the number of vehicles that have been taken off the roads are worthwhile. Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You still haven’t answered (2) and (3)! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to that! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the vehicles are not collected by the owners, a collection and towage cost is incurred by the police—the police have to pay that. I assure members that a new system is being put in place—a new tender has been asked for—to try to ensure that the police will not have to pay that cost. The former government did not allow for any funding at all for those vehicles that would not be collected, so we have had to pick up the tab for the shortfall. The member for Balcatta might shout and holler, but he knows that what I am saying is true. I have had to correct, in so many ways, the former government’s deficient legislation, and I will continue to do so.
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