MRAA meets with new Vic minister

Rider participants were Dale Maggs (MRAA President), Tony Ellis (MRAA Secretary and Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council member), Neville Gray (National Vice-President of Ulysses and architect of the SA Motorcycle Safety Strategy) and Roger Northam (Barwon Roadsafe Chairman and Ulysses representative on VMAC). Ministerial Advisor Adrian Browne was also present.

On the agenda were issues such as Learner Approved Motorcycles for Victoria, rider training and motorcycle safety, roadside objects and the motorcycle safety levy.

Following the discussions, MRAA President Mr Dale Maggs commented that overall they were very fruitful and positive.

The Minister stated that once administrative issues were resolved, LAMS (learner approved motorcycles) would be implemented within Victoria - possibly within the next six months.

The recommendations arising from the Government's Inquiry into Crashes Involving Roadside Objects were referred to. The Minister and his Secretary appreciated this document being tabled and indicated an understanding that most of the 50 recommendations need to be implemented as soon as possible, as many directly influence safer motorcycling within Victoria. Discussion also took place around VMAC and its role and the establishment of the Motorcycle Safety Strategy.

Discussion around the $54 bike tax took place with the Minister confirming that it was here to stay. The possibility of it being on licences rather than on vehicles was raised and received a positive response. If this was done, the actual levy amount could be significantly reduced.

The need for riders to be more responsible for their own safety was discussed. This was referred back to the absolute need for some sort of ongoing rider training and the Minister reacted favourably to the possibility of training being funded from the motorcycle tax.

(Pic: from left to right -- Neville Gray, Tony Ellis, Tim Pallas, Martin Pakula, Roger Northam, Dale Maggs.)