31/3/04
Community Development Minister Sheila McHale today said the Gallop Government was introducing Australia's toughest laws protecting children being left unattended in vehicles.
Ms McHale said under the Children and Community Development Bill 2003 - now being debated in State Parliament - the action would become a specific offence.
Under the Bill the offence of 'leaving a child unsupervised in vehicle' will be punished by imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to $36,000 - well above penalties in other States.
The Minister said New South Wales was the only other State to have a specific offence for leaving 'children and young persons unattended in motor vehicles' and was punishable only by a fine of up to $22,000.
"Tasmania, Victoria and the ACT don't have a specific offence covering this dangerous action but can prosecute under various laws with broad charges of 'neglect of child' or a general charge of leaving a child 'unattended'," she said.
"The closest penalty to that being introduced in Western Australia is a fine of $10,000 or imprisonment for one year, or both, in the ACT. Tasmania and Victoria have provisions for a fine of $1,500 or imprisonment not exceeding three months.
"Queensland and South Australia don't have legislation covering this issue."
Ms McHale said the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles had been well publicised in the media and recent cases had highlighted the prevalence of the offence.
The new tough penalties reflected the true seriousness of the crime and would be supported by most of the community.
"Leaving children unattended, and in some cases locked in cars, is beyond simple 'carelessness'," the Minister said.
"When a driver gets out of his/her vehicle and shuts the door, leaving behind a child, that person make a conscious decision and that decision is dangerous and in extreme circumstances could lead to death.
"With our new Bill, consequences will now include the nation's stiffest penalties and hopefully people will think twice before risking the health and welfare of children."
Minister's office: 9213 6900
