20.10.10
Young Drivers on the Agenda, But
Some Left Behind
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Coalition announcement addressing the need for reduced hours for L-Plate drivers and
further education is a positive step, but a real commitment is needed to prevent disadvantaged,
unemployed and rural young people being left even further behind.
The announcement today by Opposition Roads Minister Andrew Stoner that the coalition supports
a day-long course for L-Plate drivers is largely in line with the views of the young people and
parents of NSW.
“Our consultations with young people and parents have shown that all involved are overwhelmingly
against the largely unworkable 120 hour L-Plate requirement”, says Reynato Reodica, Chief
Executive of the Youth Action and Policy Association (YAPA), the peak advocacy group for young
people in NSW.
“This requirement places huge financial and time burdens on young people and their families, who
must either conduct the lessons themselves, or pay through the nose for private instructors.”
“On behalf of young people and their families, we would support any measure that reduces this
requirement to a much more practical level.”
“Our consultations have also shown that young people actively want more driving education, where
it is practical and relevant, especially if it counts towards their logbook hours.”
YAPA supports the principles of the coalition announcement, however it advocates that
disadvantaged and unemployed young people should not be left behind by added costs, and
availability of programs in rural and regional NSW needs to be ensured.
“These young people can’t wait the years it might take for a commitment to funding free courses
by the coalition, should it win government at the coming election. We can see the costs of running
the program being passed on to all young people, either through increased insurance premiums,
or directly through a user-pays system.”
“This would effectively put up further barriers to disadvantaged young people attaining a license –
including young people
from diverse backgrounds, geographically isolated young people, and
unemployed young people. These tend to be groups who are harshest hit by the burdens of the
current system and also most in need of the independence that driving brings.”
For comment :
Reynato Reodica, Youth Action and Policy Association :
(02) 9281 5522 ext. 1
NEWS 
