The Malinauskas Labor Government will introduce reforms to road safety laws, following advocacy from the family of Sophia Naismith.

Sophia died in 2019 after she was hit by a high-powered sports car outside a restaurant at Glengowrie.

Sophia’s family, led by her parents Pia and Luke, have strongly advocated for road safety reform.

Premier Peter Malinauskas spoke with Sophia’s parents yesterday and has advised that the State Government will take immediate action and begin to draft legislation to implement their proposed reforms.

This includes:

• Establishing a new licencing scheme for motorists who want to drive elite high-powered super sports cars. Drivers would be required to comply with specific training and other requirements, similar to motorcycle and truck licences.
• Strengthening laws which ban drivers accused of killing a person from holding a licence until their case is resolved.
• Banning the disabling of traction control in high-powered vehicles.

SAPOL and the Attorney-General’s office will also work together on exploring proposed changes to the Criminal Law Consolidation Act relating to a death occurring because of unacceptable driver behaviour.

Quotes

Attributable to Peter Malinauskas

Every South Australian following the tragic loss of Sophia Naismith cannot help but admire the courage shown by her parents and family.

I want to thank Pia and Luke for their advocacy, and I hope these reforms will prevent such a tragedy from happening to another family.

Work will now commence to bring these reforms to fruition.

I have directed relevant government agencies to immediately commence drafting legislation and I hope that the Parliament will support these important reforms.