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Northe Supports Proposed Hoon Laws To Keep Residents Safe

Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe has given his support for the Coalition's proposed new anti-hoon laws to reduce the damage to regional families caused by reckless driving and anti-social behaviour.

By Russell Northe - 5th February 2010 - Back to News

"The current laws are just not good enough," Mr Northe said.

"Hoon drivers are putting Latrobe Valley residents at risk by indulging in dangerous and risky driving. It's resulting in senseless deaths and injuries.

"After seeing what happened before Christmas with the death of Bangoang Tut, and then again in Mill Park with the deaths of five teens, you would hope people think twice about their driving behaviour, but unfortunately some people don't.

Under a Baillieu Government, however, tough anti-hoon laws will hopefully save lives of those who are being put at risk in our streets and on our roads.

"I believe a change in the laws is needed to help dissuade people from

driving like idiots.

"I've had many complaints from constituents in the Morwell electorate who have requested speed humps and other deterrents to stop hooning in their streets, and many comments on my 2009 community survey also highlighted this issue in specific areas in the Latrobe Valley.

"A change is needed to help these residents feel safe in their streets.

"The laws that a Baillieu Government will implement include:

• Immediate 30-day vehicle impoundment for an first hoon offence, and requirement that a safe driving course is completed by offender;
• Up to three months impoundment for a second offence; and
• Forfeiture and crushing of vehicles for a third offence after parts are stripped and sold.

"Currently only a 48-hour confiscation of hoon vehicles is enforced, which means hoons in Victoria can lose their cars on Friday night then pick them up again on Monday.

"The implementation of these new laws would help tighten up the current structure, which even Victoria Police admits are failing to break the hoon culture in our state. This is a flawed system and the public has recognised this.

"Latrobe Valley families need protection from hoon drivers and this plan will prevent and deter hoons with tough penalties," Mr Northe said.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Danny O’Brien praised Gippsland volunteer emergency services for VESEP funding, supporting vital equipment, facility upgrades, and ongoing advocacy for a new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel to ensure community safety.
• David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Latrobe City invites community to celebrate International Rose Garden Festival Morwell with lights, music and fun on 7-8 November 2025
  Latrobe City Council invites everyone to the free International Rose Garden Festival Morwell, 7-8 November 2025, featuring night lights, live music, workshops, market stalls, performers, and over 4,000 blooming roses.
• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on 50-year Fish Creek Football Netball Club lease proposal by 25 February 2026
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites community submissions on a proposed 50-year lease to Fish Creek Football Netball Club for new clubrooms. Submissions close 5pm, Wednesday 25 February 2026, addressed to the CEO.
• Darren Chester welcomes new all-abilities ramp at Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club, enhancing accessibility and inclusion
  Federal Member Darren Chester welcomed the new all-abilities ramp at Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club, enhancing accessibility, inclusion, and community participation, supported by local business and the #lovegippsland Stronger Communities Grant.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery.