ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2012 MEETING MINUTES · Australian Motorcycle Council Incorporated Minutes of Annual Conference 2012 Page 4 1 & 2. Introduction Opening and Attendees Day 1: Meeting

PO Box 527 Carina Qld 4152

www.amc.asn.au

[email protected]

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2012

MEETING MINUTES

Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th August 2012

Mercure Hadleys Hobart Hotel 34 Murray Street, Hobart, Tasmania

Australian Motorcycle Council Incorporated ABN 41 466 371 765

Australian Motorcycle Council Incorporated Minutes of Annual Conference 2012 Page 1

Contents

1 & 2. Introduction 4 Opening and Attendees 4 Welcomes and Introductions 5 Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting 5

3. AMC Executive Reports 6 3.1 Chairman’s report by Shaun Lennard 6 3.2 Secretary’s report by Lorrie Hemming 9 3.3 Treasurer’s report by Brian Wood 12

4. Guest Speaker 15 David O’Byrne, MP 15

5. AMC Committee Reports 16 5.1 Road Safety Barrier Systems Standards Committee 16 5.2 Road Signs and Traffic Signals Standards Committee 16 5.3 Road marking Paints Standards Committee 16 5.4 Parking Committee 16 5.5 Technical Liaison Group 16 5.6 Electric Vehicles – Infrastructure 16 5.7 Protective Clothing Working Group 17

6. National Reports 18 Motorcycle Safety Consultative Committee (MCSCC) 18 National Road Safety Council (NRSC) 18 33900: The Australian Road Safety Collaboration 18

7. International Reports 19 7.1 Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) 19 7.2 International Road Federation (IRF) 19

8. Guest Presentations 20 8.1 Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI): Cameron Cuthill 20 8.2 Maurice Blackburn Lawyers: Adam Kostick 21 8.3 Motorcycling Australia (MA): Rob Smith 21

9. Election of Office Bearers for 2012-13 23 10 & 11. Other Ordinary Business 25

10. Associate Membership Application: eMICA 25 11. Membership Fees 25

12. Member Reports (Local Jurisdictions) 26 12.1 Western Australia 26 12.2 South Australia 28 12.3 New South Wales 35 12.4 Victoria 36 12.5 Australian Capital Territory 40 12.6 United Motorcycle Council of Australia 42 12.7 Queensland 44

13. Open Forum 46 13.1 Proposal for a “National Motorcycling Strategy 2013-2018”, by John Meara 46 13.2 Mayor of the Glamorgan Spring Bay Municipality: Bertrand Cadart 47

12. Member Reports (continued) 48 12.8 Northern Territory 48 12.9 Tasmania 50 12.10 Ulysses Club 52


14 & 15. Member Resolutions and Presentations 53 14. Resolution by MCC of NSW 53 15.1 Helmets, by Guy Stanford 53 15.2 Research Update, by Ray Newland 55 15.3 Conference Reports, by Shaun Lennard 55 15.4 ATVs, by Guy Stanford 56

16. General Business 58 16.1&7 Filtering and establishing National regulations 58 16.2 Impact of EU regulations on ABS, throttle control, anti-tamper, dB level 59 16.3 National recreational licence status 59 16.4 Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety 59 16.5 Front number plates 59 16.6 High-viz vests 59 16.8 TAC advertising campaign 60 16.10&11 Priority issues AMC in 2012/13 60 16.12 Format of member organisation reports 61 16.12 2013 AMC Conference date and location 62

17. Conference Close 63 Summary of Key Motions and Actions 63 Declaration 64

Note: Section heading numbers generally align with Agenda item numbering.


Acronyms

AAA Australian Automobile Association

ACRS Australasian College of Road Safety

AMC Australian Motorcycle Council

ATVs All terrain vehicles

BITRE Bureau for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics

CTP Compulsory third party (insurance)

eMCIA MCIA is the Motorcycle Industry Association in the UK. eMCIA is a division recently formed to look after issues specifically relating to electric motorcycle and scooters

FCAI Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries

FEMA Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations

IRF International Road Federation

ITF International Transport Forum

ITS Intelligent Transport Systems (i.e. technological aids)

MA Motorcycling Australia

MAA (New South Wales) Motor Accidents Authority

MAG (Victorian) Motorcycle Advisory Group

MCCofNSW Motorcycle Council of New South Wales

MRAACT Motorcycle Riders Association of the Australian Capital Territory

MRAQ Motorcycle Riders Association of Queensland

MRASA Motorcycle Riders Association of South Australia

MRAVic Motorcycle Riders Association of Victoria

MRAWA Motorcycle Riders Association of Western Australia

MSCC Motorcycle Safety Consultative Committee

NRSC National Road Safety Council

NRSF National Road Safety Forum

OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development

QMSAG Queensland Motorcycle Safety Advisory Group (now ceased)

RANT Rider Awareness Northern Territory

RSAC (Tasmanian) Road Safety Advisory Council

SCOTI Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure

TAC (Victorian) Transport Accident Commission

TMC Tasmanian Motorcycle Council

UMCA United Motorcycle Councils of Australia

VMAC Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council (now ceased)

VMC Victorian Motorcycle Council


1 & 2. Introduction

Opening and Attendees Day 1: Meeting opened at 9:03am on Saturday 25th August 2012 in the conference room of Mercure Hadleys Hobart Hotel, 34 Murray Street, Hobart. A quorum of Members was present.

Delegate attendees

DELEGATE NAME ORGANISATION TITLE

Shaun Lennard

Rob Prestedge

Paul Bullock

Lorrie Hemming

Jen Woods

Brian Wood

Guy Stanford

Peter Baulch

Rob Salvatore

Tony Ellis

John Karmouche

Nicky Hussey

Chris Mearns

Dave Wright

Steve “Prickle” Clancy

Phil McClelland

Neville Gray

Peter Karpati

Suellen Drinkwater

AMC

TMC

TMC

Ulysses Club

Ulysses Club (& MRAACT)

MCCofNSW

MCCofNSW

VMC

VMC

MRAVic

MRAVic

MRAACT

MRAQ

MRAWA

UMCA

MRASA

MRASA

RANT

RANT

Chairman (& TMC President)

Treasurer

Public Officer

AMC delegate (& AMC Secretary)

President

Vice Chairman (& AMC Treasurer)

AMC delegate

Chairman

Data & Research

VMAC Rep, Road Safety & Research (& AMC Executive)

AMC delegate

Secretary

President

Vice President

Spokesperson

President & 4B’s Coordinator

Vice President & Road Safety (& AMC Public Officer)

Treasurer

Secretary

Guest Speakers and Presenters

GUEST NAME ORGANISATION TITLE

David O’Byrne MP

Cameron Cuthill

Adam Kostick

Rob Smith

Tasmanian Government

FCAI

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers

Motorcycling Australia

Minister for Infrastructure and Police

Motorcycle Manager

Community Engagement

Riders’ Division Manager


Other guests and observers:

NAME ORGANISATION TITLE

John Meara

Bertrand Cadart

Kellie Buckley

Peter “The Bear” Thoeming

Neale Brumby

Malcolm Campbell

Carolynn Jamieson

Ulysses Club

Glamorgan Spring Bay Municipality

Australian Motorcycle News

Australian Road Rider magazine

Heavy Duty magazine

Campbell Racing

Tasmanian Motorcycle Transport

Nominated for AMC Secretary

Mayor (& cast member of original Mad Max movie)

Deputy Editor

Editor

Editor

Australian Superbike Champion

Observer

Welcomes and Introductions Chairman welcomed Malcolm Campbell and Bertrand Cadart, delegates and guests from various organisations and as individual observers.

Apologies recognised and accepted from:

DELEGATE NAME ORGANISATION TITLE

Chris Burns

Eliza Tobin

Stuart Strickland

Ray Newland

Russell “Camel” Wattie

MCC of NSW

RANT

AMC

AMC

UMCA

Chairman

President

Technical Liaison Group representative

Research Advisor

Spokesperson

• Attend to admin details and Conference Dinner

• Self introductions conducted by all present

• Noted that the AMC was formed in 1980 and has been functioning for 32 years (website updated from “1982”)

• Recognition of Stuart Strickland who was honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Awards.

Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting The Minutes of the 2011 AMC Conference had been previously circulated.

Motion: That the Minutes of the 2011 Conference of the AMC be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings.

Moved: Guy Stanford (MCC of NSW)

Seconded: Jen Woods (Ulysses Club)

Vote: Carried.

Action list review • Peter Ivanoff (Ulysses Club) is the AMC’s representative on the Helmets Committee.

• Guy Stanford is keeping aware of ATV issues and attending to them as they occur.


3. AMC Executive Reports

3.1 Chairman’s report by Shaun Lennard It is with pleasure that I present my report on the Australian Motorcycle Council for 2012.

International connections In 2011, I was invited to join a newly established road safety group of the International Road Federation (IRF), and I attended one of its inaugural series of meetings, held in Geneva. The IRF is keen to see the Australian Motorcycle Council continue its involvement with this group, but the cost of doing so is no doubt a major issue. Already a second meeting of the group has been held in Amsterdam, which I was unable to attend, but I hope to attend the next.

The AMC has also continued to maintain close contact with the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) and some of its member organisations to keep up with news from Europe. In November 2011, I was also able to meet with Chris Hodder of the British Motorcyclists’ Federation whilst travelling to the IRF forum.

FEMA’s secretary-general Aline Delaye came to Australia in November 2011 to speak at the Australasian Road Safety Research Education and Policing conference in Perth. The AMC then also hosted a forum in Melbourne at the offices of Motorcycling Australia on Australian and European issues.

OECD Working Group on Motorcycling Safety This group has been established by the OECD’s International Transport Forum to progress recommendations from the 2008 Lillehammer Workshop. James Holgate from VicRoads is the Australian representative on the working group, and we understand that he has participated in a number of meetings. Unfortunately there has been little in the way of feedback received at this stage.

I was invited to attend a meeting of a small number of stakeholders in held Paris in December, but again due to limited resources, the AMC could not accept this invitation.

Road Safety The consultative arrangements with federal government have been a cause for concern in the past year. I met with the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) in September 2011 – soon after the last AMC conference – and there was the continued promise of a second motorcycle and scooter safety summit to be held in the 2011/12 financial year. This was to be organised in conjunction with the Motorcycle Safety Consultative Committee (MSCC), which I also chair.

The NRSC separately decided to go through the process of appointing an executive director, and the motorcycle summit project was moved to the 2012/13 year. Dr Soames Job was appointed to the role earlier this year, and I then had a discussion with him and was assured all was on track.

Not long after, that the national minister’s council made a decision to discontinue the NRSC from the end of this calendar year. The question of the motorcycle summit still remains; and it’s something I hope to see a resolution to in the next few weeks.

The government has meanwhile initiated a National Road Safety Forum (NRSF), and Jen Woods and Peter Ivanoff attended this on our behalf in Canberra on 24 August.

Whilst there has been slow progress in that regard, the situation with motorcycle safety continues to improve – particularly in relation to fatalities.

The federal Bureau for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) has released a number of reports of interest in recent months. These include a review of Australian road deaths for 2011, a comparison between Australia and other OECD countries (which also compares individual states and territories to these countries).

This report is the most significant, showing a 10% reduction for 2011. Of more significance, the figure per 10,000 registrations has also dropped consistently for the past six years, and is half what it was 10 years ago.


Even the AAA (Australian Automobile Association) in its assessment of the year to date figures up until March 2012 had given a “tick” for improvements in the numbers for motorcycles whilst highlighting that cycling and pedestrian deaths are on the increase.

Despite this, neither the federal government nor any of the jurisdictions have made a point of highlighting this improvement in motorcycle safety. Indeed the Queensland Government issued a media statement drawing attention to a slight spike in fatalities at the commencement of this year, but overlooking a consistent drop in deaths per 10,000 registrations since 2005 – and a more significant drop since 2009. State authorities should cease promulgating continual negative messages about motorcycle safety. To claim that the situation is in fact getting worse is not only incorrect; if it were true then it would be an admission that their own campaigns have not been working. Instead they should join with the motorcycle community in taking some credit for “improvements”, and committing to further consultative approaches.

I am pleased to note that locally, this message has at least been picked up by the Tasmanian government, as we might hear later this morning from Minister O’Byrne.

The AMC issued a media release highlighting the continuing improvement in fatality rates, and this was widely reported in the motorcycle media. Australian Motorcycle News ran a detailed report looking at the statistics from every jurisdiction. As I highlighted, the motorcycle fatality rate in Australia is now at its lowest point ever, whilst the number riding is the highest ever.

Whilst there has been improvement in fatality rates for most road user groups, and emerging focus is the number of serious injury crashes.

The AMC was invited to make a presentation to the Victorian Parliamentary enquiry into motorcycle safety public hearings, which I did late last year. The transcript of our presentation will be available at some stage. The main focus was on training and education and the increasing popularity or motorcycling, as well as concern about the anti-motorcycling sentiment of some of the government advertising in Victoria.

Connections with MPs We have continued our representations to many federal MPs, and the private members motion from Luke Hartsuyker earlier in the year is a reflection on this.

The Federal MPs and Senators Motorcycle Ride and parliamentary breakfast both grew in their second year, with parliamentary secretary, Catherine King, amongst our breakfast guests last year. The third event will be held in the middle of next month.

Media presence The AMC has continued to use the motorcycle media as our primary means of distributing information to riders.

As well as current news stories, I have continued to write a column for 2Wheels magazine. At this point I’ll make mention of the tragic passing of our great friend and supporter, JB. The AMC’s column in 2Wheels was of course Jeremy’s initiative; he welcomed the view point of our organisation as a regular feature in 2Wheels.

Over the past 12 months we have had columns published on subjects including the National Road Safety Strategy, rider training and our national lobbying efforts.

Australian Motorcycle News and other outlets continue to regularly report new stories on the activities of the AMC. Ideally we would have a more strategic marketing and media strategy, but that remains something for a time when we are far better resourced than at present. We concentrate on getting as many messages as we can about current issues into motorcycle magazines and websites.

I was asked by Australian Road Rider magazine to present on behalf of The Bear its inaugural motorcycle tourism award to the Glamorgan Spring Bay Municipality, which I did at a tourism function in Hobart earlier this year.

We recently launched a Facebook page: www.facebook.com/AustralianMotorcycleCouncil

We have also had an increased mainstream media presence. The 2011 MP’s and Senators ride attracted widespread coverage, including a photo of Bronwyn Bishop riding pillion in The Age.


Working with other organisations We have maintained a dialogue with Motorcycling Australia over ways our organisations can work more closely. It is intended to develop a memorandum of understanding between our two organisations, highlighting the areas that one of the other may focus on.

With the filtering trial in Victoria, agreement was reached between a number of organisations – including the AMC – that the Riders Division would manage public comment on this issue.

The question of establishing an Australian Motorcycle Federation has been raised again for this conference, so this is something to be discussed further.

The Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) has invited the AMC to assist in preparation of its position paper on motorcycle safety. This demonstrates the regard with which our organisation is now considered.

Summary In closing, I thank all members for their support and input over the past 12 months. I extend a particular welcome and thank you to a number of new delegates this year – some not able to join us, such as the new chair of the MCC of NSW, Chris Burns – and others who are with us this weekend including Chris Mearns from MRAQ and Steve Clancy representing the UMCs of Australia.

I’d also like us all to say a special thank you to the members of our executive – Lorrie Hemming, Tony Ellis, Brian Wood, and Phil McClelland. I understand that after six loyal years, Lorrie is not seeking renomination to the executive, so on behalf of the organisation and all our members I say a sincere thank you to Lorrie for all her amazing hard work and attention to detail as our secretary. We will very much miss Lorrie’s input and ever-smiling face at our meetings.

I would also like to acknowledge the ongoing support of our honorary research advisor, Ray Newland, who very much regrets not being able to attend our conference this year

In almost closing, I must acknowledge the continuing donations from MRA SA and the Ulysses Club, and also the flexibility of the Ulysses Club with its road safety committee, to which I belong. The combined support of these two organisations has enabled me to attend many in-person meetings over the past year. There have also been contributions from other organisations – the TMC, a private business – Tasmanian Motorcycle Transport, MRA ACT and the FCAI.

Finally, in reflecting on the past year I’d just like to say what a great honour I feel in being appointed to chair this wonderful organisation. Together we contribute and amazing amount on behalf of the more than 700,000 Australians who ride motorcycles.

I look forward to continuing to work with you all over the coming 12 months, and to assisting with the development of the AMC into the future. There is no doubt some things we could do better or differently. One idea I will be pursuing with the executive, should I be re-elected this afternoon, is to consider appointing a number of sub-committees to build greater common understanding and expertise in the so many diverse areas that make up motorcycle advocacy and representation.

Discussion on Chairman’s Report Rob Smith explained that James Holgate was appointed as Australian representative for the International Transport Forum because VicRoads was asked by Austroads to nominate someone, and VMAC has just ceased at the time. James had been newly appointed to VicRoads with experience also from NSW, and was therefore was appointed as the Australian representative.

Motion: That the Chairman’s report be accepted.

Moved: Peter Baulch (VMC)

Seconded: Tony Ellis (MRAVic)

Vote: Carried.


3.2 Secretary’s report by Lorrie Hemming

Register of Members of the Association

AMC Member Organisation Web Site

• Tasmanian Motorcycle Council (TMC)

• Motorcycle Council of New South Wales (MCC of NSW)

• Victorian Motorcycle Council (VMC)

• Motorcycle Riders Association of Victoria (MRA Vic)

• Ulysses Club

• Motorcycle Riders Association of the ACT (MRA ACT)

• Motorcycle Riders Association of Queensland (MRAQ)

• Motorcycle Riders Association of Western Australia (MRA WA)

• United Motorcycle Councils of Australia (UMCA)

• Motorcycle Riders Association of South Australia (MRA SA)

• Rider Awareness Northern Territory (RANT)

• Bikes Unlimited

http://www.tasmanianmotorcyclecouncil.org.au

http://www.mccofnsw.org.au

http://victorianmotorcyclecouncil.org.au

http://www.mravic.org.au/forum/

http://www.ulyssesclub.org

http://mraact.org.au

http://www.mraqld.org

http://www.mrawa.asn.au

http://www.pitbossracing.com.au/umc.htm

http://www.mrasa.asn.au

https://sites.google.com/site/riderawarenessnt/home

http://www.bikesunlimited.org.au

A Delegate’s Information Sheet was circulated to ensure up-to-date personal contact details. For privacy, this list is not published in the Minutes. The Secretary requested that delegates notify the Secretary of changes to ensure accuracy of records.

Correspondence In:

Item Date From Subject

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

24-08-11

24-08-11

24-08-11

2-11-11

29-11-11

7-02-12

3-05-12

3-05-12

4-06-12

Suncorp

NSW/RTA/ Austroads

Hon David Bradbury. Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer

Standards Australia

Standards Australia

Australia Post

Standards Australia

Standards Australia

Standards Australia

Cheque for Parliamentarians’ Ride

Acknowledgement of letters: Nu-guard Steel Rail Safety Barrier

Helmet submission

Invitation to Subcommittee: EVO-001, 004

Acceptance on Subcommittee:EVO-001, 004

PO Box renewal

Disbanding of Subcommittee: EVO-001, 004

Notification of Draft for public comment: IEC Standard 62196-2

Disbanding of Subcommittee: EVO-001,004


Correspondence Out:

Item Date To Subject

1

2

3

4

5

6

24-08-11

14-02-12

27-02-12

23-03-12

28-04-12

8-08-12

UMCA

Standards Australia

Standards Australia

National Tourism Signing Reference Group

Standards Australia

Mayor Bertrand Cadart

Welcome Letter

Cancelled Membership of EVO-001-04


Introduction a of Motorcycle Symbol into AS 1642.6


Invitation to AMC AGM

Position Statements 13 Position Statements (2005–2012) were tabled:

• Road Safety

• Daytime Running Lights

• Frontal Identification

• Protective Clothing

• Rider Training

• Verifiable Power Restrictors for LAMS Motorcycles

• Road Design & Maintenance

• Diesel Spills

• Unriders

• Differential Speeds

• Pocket Bikes

• Crash Barriers

• Electric Motorcycles & Scooters.

All Position Statements are available on the AMC web site. The two new statements added: Crash Barriers and Electric Vehicles & Scooters.

Website Queries • Ride Beyond the Trauma

• Invitation to participate in automotive small business workshops

• TT3D movie competition

• Gloves, importing of…

• Advice, parking facilities in Melbourne

• My Rights, Tasmanian accident victim

• Invitation, 9th Annual Vic Transport and Infrastructure Summit 2011

• AMC organisation query

• P2W ratio problems for new rider

• Motorcycle Security Cage endorsement

• AMC membership query

• Prospecting and Appending – marketing AMC

• Exchanging website links

• Motorcycle turn signal LED endorsement

• Alpine Rally information

• Australian ST Honda Owners Group awareness request

• Car Stickers request

• Joining Bike Clubs in Geraldton WA


• Motorcycle Safety Products endorsement

• Motorcycle Registrations in Albury NSW query

• Lobbying for Per km tolling in Sydney

• Motorcycle Parts Sales endorsement

• Molong ride query

• Marketing AMC

• Exchanging website links

• Invitation to 2nd Annual Sutho Cops & Rodders Road Safety and Car Show

• Motorcycle Visibility and Conspicuity

• TV Advertisement sponsored by Spokes and TAC

• Nairobi Orphanage Appeal

• NRMA and Wire Rope Barriers

• Motorcycle Training in Tasmania

• Helmet Laws - Open Face Helmet in petrol station

• Exchanging Website Links

• The Ride to Conquer Cancer

• Mugs with logos endorsement

• Tasmanian Motorcycle Training and Membership of AMC

• Assistance Request for 2nd Annual Sutho Cops & Rodders Road Safety and Car Show

• Refusal by Commonwealth Government’s main salary packaging provider to participate in offering motorcycles as part of one of the packaging products

• Education of University engineering students on motorcycles and scooters on our roads

• Importing custom made motorcycles into Australia

Queensland Motorcycle Safety Advisory Group (QMSAG) Lorrie Hemming has acted as AMC representative on the QMSAG. With the change of Government in Queensland, the QMSAG has been disbanded. MRAQ to discuss this further in their report.

Discussion on Secretary’s Report There was no discussion.

Motion: That the Secretary’s report be accepted.

Moved: Phil McClelland (MRASA)

Seconded: Jen Woods (Ulysses Club Inc)

Vote: Carried.


3.3 Treasurer’s report by Brian Wood Brian Wood tabled the statement of accounts for the financial year:

[Income & Expenditure sheet removed for public version]


[Budget sheet removed for public version]

[Statement of Financial Position removed for public version]


Discussion on Treasurer’s Report • Over $10 000 in donations received last financial year

• Need to generate extra finance in coming year

• Travel expenses in coming year may bring current budget back to $10 000

• No assistance available from Government funding

• MRASA funding may continue if AMC is able to provide a written proposal

• On-going communication by Delegates to their respective committees could elicit funding

• Need to develop a business strategy to further fund AMC

Motion: That the Treasurer’s report be accepted.

Moved: Phil McClelland (MRASA)

Seconded: Chris Mearns (MRAQ)

Vote: Carried.


4. Guest Speaker

David O’Byrne, MP Electorate of Franklin Minister for Economic Development Minister for Infrastructure Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Minister for Police and Emergency Management Minister for Workplace Relations.

Points raised during the presentation:

• Large increase in motorcycles on Tasmanian roads

• Need to ensure infrastructure is kept up to date

• Road Safety Advisory Council administers road safety levy

• Changes in learner licensing

• Implementation of safety systems on roads i.e. rub rail

• A focus on improving safety on roads for motorcyclists

• MOU motorcycle safety barriers and safety systems, protective gear, education programs

• SCOTI will not continue to fund NRSC on the basis that the input of money was not consistent with outcomes of NRSC; there is still a need for national initiatives to make changes but not dissolve it

• Need to improve the relationship with TMC and AMC and promote road use as shared responsibility.

Discussion: • When asked if the Minister promoted motorcycling in Tasmania, he responded that

yes he did through advertising and the tourism industry but that feedback was needed

• When asked about changing the attitude of riders, the Minister responded that he supported a national education campaign to change rider behaviour

• When asked what Tasmania’s competency-based licensing was modelled on, the Minister responded that it was modelled on the NSW system


5. AMC Committee Reports

5.1 Road Safety Barrier Systems Standards Committee

Brian Wood presented his report on CE-033 Road Safety Barriers:

• There have been no meetings since last year’s AMC Annual Conference.

• Standards Australia has appointed a project manager and there has been several emails indicating that work on the revised standard will commence soon.

• Revising the standard has not progressed since it was close to being released for public comment in October 2009.

• There has been no update on the work at the University of NSW on researching motorcycle impacts with barriers with regards to guidelines on test procedures when a motorcycle impacts a barrier in the upright position.

5.2 Road Signs and Traffic Signals Standards Committee

Brian Wood presented his report on MS-012 Road Signs and Traffic Signals:

• A meeting was held on 21st & 22nd February 2012, the first meeting of this committee Brian had attended.

• A program has been set to revise the 14 parts of AS 1742 over the next couple of years.

• Proposed the introduction of a motorcycle sign, a suggestion that wasn’t well received. A submission was made to the National Tourism Signing Reference Group for their consideration.

5.3 Road marking Paints Standards Committee Neville Gray reported that this committee was inactive at this time and hopefully will be reconvened in 2014.

5.4 Parking Committee Brian Wood reported that this committee hasn’t been active since last year’s conference; though there has been some correspondence regarding disabled parking spaces.

5.5 Technical Liaison Group Stuart Strickland sent his apology for being unable to attend the Conference and submit a report at this time.

5.6 Electric Vehicles – Infrastructure Brian Wood presented his report on CE-001 Parking Facilities:

• Brian was originally appointed to this committee as the AMC’s representative. He attended one teleconference and then only by chance found out he had been unceremoniously removed from the committee.

• A draft standard on electrical plugs has been out for public comment. The AMC made a submission to include 3 pin domestic 10 and 15 Amp plugs for use by motorcycles and scooters.

Roads


5.7 Protective Clothing Working Group Brian Wood presented his report on Protective Clothing Working Group headed by the NSW Motor Accidents Authority (MAA).

• The Stage 1 report by The George Institute has been presented to the Heads of CTP committee. They are withholding their decision on whether to proceed with Stage 2 until work by the TAC is finalised.

• The Stage 1 report can’t be released until it has been considered by the Heads of CTP.


6. National Reports

Motorcycle Safety Consultative Committee (MCSCC)

National Road Safety Council (NRSC)

33900: The Australian Road Safety Collaboration

Shaun Lennard presented his reports on all 3 of these topics in a single presentation, with some aspects already covered in his annual report:

• Is a sense of frustration with lack of progress with the MSCC since 2010

• The NRSC will not be funded after 2012 according to Catherine King

• The Commonwealth Government has established a new, annual National Road Safety Forum, and Jen Woods and Peter Ivanoff attended the first NRSF on behalf of Shaun

• No training for licencing in remote areas therefore is a problem of no vehicles to train in or for those few vehicles, untrained licenced and unlicensed drivers

• CARRS-Q Professor Barry Watson called for more training in remote areas

• Approach Andrew Wilkie MHR for funding

• 33900, the non-government alliance, met again in August 2012 to look further at preventing crashes, infrastructure, minimising trauma, and post-crash care

• It has been recommended to Safe Work Australia that there be an increased focus on work-related road safety standards.

Discussion on National Reports: • The National Trauma Research Institute Annual Conference in being held in

November in Melbourne

• Work is highly applauded by Professor Russell Bruin (Chair)

• He is calling for standardised data collection

• Will be 120 key areas

• Papers are being presented by National groups

• Suggestion of a need to clarify marketing / insurance sectors of TAC

• Brian Wood requested that his status on the 33900 infrastructure sub-committee be confirmed, as he has not been included in any correspondence.

• Guy congratulated Shaun and the TMC on a great working relationship with the Tasmanian Minister

Action 1:

Shaun Lennard to contact the Australian Road Safety Collaboration to confirm representation of Brian Wood on the infrastructure sub-committee.


7. International Reports

7.1 Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA)

Shaun Lennard presented his report.

• Information from FEMA has been passed on as it is received; there is a lot of information on European developments on their website

• Aline Delhaye’s visit to Australia in 2011 was a highlight

• Initial discussions between co-organisers of 2010 International Motorcyclists’ Conference to convene the 2nd conference (may be Asia/Pacific Region, Australia)

• AMC and MA may be in a position to work together on developing it in 2013

• Catherine King has shown preliminary interest

• Needs to be a high priority item

• Perhaps seek funding from Asia Pacific countries, and/or ASEAN

7.2 International Road Federation (IRF) Shaun Lennard presented his report.

• Shaun attended initial meeting in Geneva, but was unable to attend the second in Amsterdam

• Next meeting to coincide with IRF conference in India in November 2012

• IRF membership extends to government, private sector, road builders, engineers and road users

• Shaun to distribute further information via email


8. Guest Presentations

8.1 Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI): Cameron Cuthill

Cameron Cuthill, Motorcycle Manager for FCAI presented. Cameron acknowledged the work of Rhys Griffith who is currently on extended personal leave.

• 50% of off road motorcycles are ATVs

• FCAI represents manufacturers and importers

• 90% of current issues are ATV-related

• Rollover protection structures were originally designed for restrained passengers therefore it is not a valid assumption that they are a PROTECTION

• Even for a rider wearing a helmet, the rollover protection structure will cause as many injuries as it will prevent

• The industry is hesitant to endorse rollover protection structure

• All queries should be directed to the ATV website

• Main focus is on road use from National groups therefore FCAI does not support them

• In the past there had been no cohesive spokes group with a common message therefore FCAI has not given support to any motorcycle groups (NB: the FCAI had provided support for the AMC to attend the IRF meeting in Geneva in 2011)

• There is a need for an un-emotive, cohesive voice

• Need standards and guidelines

• There are International issues and these impact on Australia

• Most motorcycles are used for recreational rather than commuting purposes

• Focus is on vehicle concerns for the world market, i.e. developing countries, therefore there is a need to focus on international marketers

• ABS is not the panacea for prevention of road injuries, therefore ABS on all vehicles should not be mandated

• ABS is becoming mandatory in Europe where there are different roads and laws

• New developments are consumer led, i.e. traction control

• Need a ’deemed to comply’ standard for helmets

• Some helmets do not come through FCAI because it is too costly to test them (even though they are approved overseas)

• If FCAI finds anomalies, they address them through private lobbying at meetings such as VMAC

• FCAI is funded by its member groups

• 90% of importers are represented in FCAI membership

• Importers pay a membership fee plus a percentage according to volume of sales

• Chinese importers of inferior bikes are not members, are encouraged to join but show no interest in doing so

• Because these bikes cannot be registered they cannot be ridden in public areas

Discussion on FCAI Presentation: • AMC to identify major issues

• Develop Position Papers with no interstate interpretation

• Change and adapt Position Statements as necessary

• Bring one voice when conferring

• Agree on the general thrust of Position Statements and iron out the smaller details later

People


• If unsure about an issue, consult with your group and give a consistent message

• If ABS is fitted to a motorcycle, then it must be ridden within motorcycle parameters rather than car parameters, therefore there is a need for rider training to coincide with technological improvements to motorcycles

• ABS is nevertheless a consumer-driven commodity

• There are different types of ABS on motorcycles

• FCAI will continue to develop safer devices but sales will be consumer driven

• This is a non-government regulatory industry which is consumer/industry driven

• Flagged the possibility of AMC chairman attending a future meeting of FCAI

8.2 Maurice Blackburn Lawyers: Adam Kostick Adam Kostick delivered a presentation

• Wish to focus on the most vulnerable therefore riders and motorcycle advocacy

• Use SMIDSY campaign to lobby government for awareness of motorcycle issues

• Is a national company

• Have a heavy promotional campaign, e.g. MotoGP and Ulysses AGM

• Will be a valued resource, i.e. legal and lobbying

• If SMIDSY is taken to other states, Maurice Blackburn have infrastructure support and are willing to advise on the impact of state laws

• To be successful, an organisation needs to clarify goals, know their audience, choose the battle and play the game

Discussion on Maurice Blackburn Presentation: Delegates thanked Adam for his presentation, Maurice Blackburn’s work and their offer to support the motorcycling community and AMC where possible.

8.3 Motorcycling Australia (MA): Rob Smith Rob Smith, Manager Rider’s Division of MA presented.

• Explanation on difference between lane splitting/filtering

• PDF on lane filtering available on www.ard.org.au

• Formula used to show advantages of lane filtering = below 30kph: length of queue 2 km; average speed of queue 5kph; average bike speed 25kph = time saved 19.2 minutes

• Aim is to have drivers educated to look out for riders who may filter

• Benefits of filtering: relieve congestion, reduce urban traffic congestion costs

• Need to recognise benefits of filtering in order to have motorcycles accepted into integrated transport system

• Riders can be trained to filter safely

• Safe filtering can be implemented by : recognising benefits, clear definition and legislation, policing, responsible riding, training riders, educating drivers

• Needs to be brought up in every State to change regulation

• All papers on filtering are freely available

• Rob Smith meeting with VicRoads

• If laws serve no purpose then get rid of them

• No evidence that filtering is unsafe

• Need to concentrate on one issue at a time, i.e. filtering, and NOT include stop boxes at this stage

• Need to use a national approach

People


• States or AMC can make comment, but must be approved by two people including one from MA to ensure there is one voice

• Delegates to read material on filtering and give feedback to Rob

• With filtering comes responsibility and ownership of fault

• Is general acceptance of lane-sharing; road law on unmarked lanes

• Need for AMC to promote uniformity on a National basis

• NTC is moving to nationalise more road laws

• Allow Victoria to execute law change then use this to lobby governments in other States

• MA has the support of VMC, MRAV, MAG which has been noted by Victoria Police and VicRoads

Discussion on Motorcycling Australia Presentation: Delegates thanked Rob for his presentation and efforts. The AMC looks forward to a continuing close association with MA Rider’s Division.


9. Election of Office Bearers for 2012-13

The election process was conducted (session for members only) with the following results:

AMC Positions

Chairman

Shaun Lennard nominated by Jennifer Wood (MRAACT) Seconded by Tony Ellis (MRAVic) Shaun Lennard re-elected.

Treasurer Brian Wood nominated by Lorrie Hemming (Ulysses Club) Seconded by Dave Wright (MRAWA) Brian Wood re-elected.

Secretary Following Lorrie Hemming’s indication that she did not wish to continue as Secretary, John Meara nominated by Jennifer Wood (MRAACT) Seconded by Neville Gray (MRASA) John Meara elected.

Motion moved by Peter Baulch (VMC) that recognition of six years of excellent service given by Lorrie Hemming as AMC Secretary be noted Seconded by John Karmouche (MRAVic) Motion carried.

Committee Member Tony Ellis nominated by Grant Delahoy (MRAVic) Seconded by Eliza Tobin (RANT) Tony Ellis re-elected.

Committee Member Phil McClelland nominated by Neville Gray (MRASA) Seconded by Lorrie Hemming (Ulysses Club) Phil McClelland re-elected.

Other Appointments

Public Officer The AMC is registered as an Incorporated Association in South Australia and a requirement of the relevant Act is that a South Australian be the Public Officer. He/she must be a resident of South Australia but does not have to be on the Executive Committee of the AMC. Neville Gray unanimously re-appointed.

AMC Representative on MSCC Shaun Lennard nominated by Tony Ellis (MRAVic) Seconded by Peter Baulch (VMC) Shaun Lennard re-appointed.


Standards Australia Committee Nominees:

Barriers Brian Wood nominated by Neville Gray (MRASA) Seconded by Phil McClelland (MRASA) Brian Wood re-appointed

Road signs and Traffic signals Brian Wood nominated by Dave Gray (MRAWA) Seconded by Tony Ellis (MRAVic) Brian Wood re-appointed.

Road Marking Neville Gray nominated by Dave Gray (MRAWA) Seconded by Jennifer Woods (MRAACT) Neville Gray re-appointed.

Parking Brian Wood nominated by Dave Wright (MRAWA) Seconded by Paul Bullock (TMC) Brian Wood re-appointed.

Electric Vehicles Standard Brian Wood nominated by Phil McClelland (MRASA) Seconded by Jennifer Woods (MRAACT) Brian Wood appointed.

Technical Liaison Group Stuart Strickland nominated by Neville Gray (MRASA) Seconded by Tony Ellis (MRAVic) Stuart Strickland re-appointed.

Helmets Guy Stanford nominated by Phil McClelland (MRASA) Seconded by Jennifer Woods (MRAACT) Guy Stanford re-appointed.

Protective Clothing Eliza Tobin and Brian Wood nominated by Phil McClelland (MRASA) Seconded by Jennifer Woods (MRAACT) Eliza Tobin and Brian Wood appointed.

ATVs Guy Stanford nominated by Tony Ellis (MRAVic) Seconded by Peter Baulch (VMC) Guy Stanford re-appointed.


10 & 11. Other Ordinary Business

10. Associate Membership Application: eMICA Brian Wood (MCC of NSW) led this session, for members only:

• Need for change to allow Associate Membership. Brian moved that the AMC begin discussions on allowing Associate Memberships and accept eMICA as such.

• This would require the introduction of a clause to the AMC Constitution, subject to review at AMC Annual Conference, or at a Special General Meeting called to discuss this change to the Constitution.

• Agreement was gained for Brian to draft the clause and send out the motion to Delegates; then for an electronic Special General Meeting will be called to ratify acceptance of changes to the Constitution to allow Associate Membership.

Action 2a: Brian Wood (MCCofNSW) to draft the necessary clause(s) for changing the AMC Constitution to provide for Associate Memberships, then to circulate these changes to Delegates for discussion and approval through an electronic Special General Meeting.

Action 2b: That this process to allow Associate Memberships include a motion to accept eMICA as such.

11. Membership Fees Session for members only.

Discussion on whether or not the AMC should raise the annual organisation membership fee.

Motion: That membership fees remain the same at $300 for this financial year.

Moved: Brian Wood (MCCofNSW)

Seconded: Phil McClelland (MRASA)

Vote: Carried


12. Member Reports (Local Jurisdictions)

12.1 Western Australia Dave Wright presented the MRAWA report.

Motorcycle and Scooter Safety Advisory Group (MSSAG) 42 of the 50 actions from the original MSSAG forums now 100% completed. Go to www.ors.wa.gov.au - click on “I am a motorcyclist” then “MSSAG” for progress on actions.

• On November 5th we held the fifth forum in our ongoing series of forums on how we can improve the safety of riders on WA roads. At this forum we had about 45 participants which included all the visiting members of the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety: Aline Delhaye, General Secretary of FEMA (Federation of European Motorcycle Associations), Professor D’Arcy Holman (The independent Chair of the WA Road Safety Council), and the top people from a number of government organizations. We also had over 20 motorcycle and scooter riders representing their clubs and groups, as well as a few people who were just concerned independent riders.

After the presentations from Liz De Rome on protective clothing, Professor Raphael Grzebieta on road side barriers, and Ken Beer on making roads motorcycle friendly, we held our workshops for about two hour on what new actions we thought could be taken to improve rider safety. We now have the new list of actions that we have put forward to the relevant Government Departments and organizations and this is being dealt with through the Motorcycle and Scooter Safety Advisory Group meeting.

All up I believe the forum was a success and it is great to get the people from the Government agencies and private organization together with real riders to talk together in a true spirit of cooperation to reach the goal we all want. We also must not forget that we as individuals can play an important role in road safety

• As mentioned in my last report we now have a WA version of making roads motorcycle friendly book completed and distributed to all road designers and road maintenance departments and we have now received funding to produce a DVD to be distributed to local authorities to give them much more details on how to approach the design and maintenance of roads for riders. We have also recently received funding for a person to travel to the regions and give a presentation on motorcycle friendly road design.

• I had a meeting with the WA Minister for Transport Hon Troy Buswell in October regarding establishing a working group to work towards a motorcycle Transport Policy that would cover all the usual subjects of motorcycles in bus and bicycle and emergency stopping lanes, the legitimatizing of lane filtering, favourable parking positions and gear lockers for motorcycle riders at train stations. I have since had a meeting with his senior policy advisor and from that we have formed a working group with representatives from Dept. of Transport, Public Transport Authority, WA Police, Main Roads Department, W.A. Local Government Association and the MRAWA with the Office of Road Safety as the lead agency. It is early in the process but we seem to be making progress.

• As from 1st July this year 100% of money raised from red light and speed cameras will go the WA Road safety Council to be used exclusively for road safety

• The Chair of the WA Road Safety Council raised the question of motorcycle rider safety at the May meeting and they will set up a new working group to look at what actions they can take to reduce the number a motorcycle crashes. I have been asked to join the working group.

• I recently had a meeting with Ian Cameron CEO of the Office of Road Safety and once again raised the prospect of a Motorcycle Safety Strategy with target reductions of fatalities to compliment the WA towards Zero Strategy and to my surprise this


time he thought it was something we could discuss (in the past he has flatly rejected the idea) I have since had a meeting with his staff to discuss strategies and targets.

• I have had a meeting with the WA Police Major Crash Investigation unit regarding being involved with fatal and serious motorcycle crash investigation and they have now given me permission to have access to the police reports through a meeting with their officers. They have now asked the coroner office if they have any objections and we are waiting for the reply.

• I have received a couple of grants from the RAC to conduct a road craft rider skills enhancement course in WA regional area’s and will be traveling to the Pilbara region soon.

• I have been invited to give a presentation to the WA Road Safety Council in September to highlight what has been accomplished to date and what future initiatives we need to pursue e.g. motorcycle black spot funding. Enhanced data and research into motorcycle crashes.

• The planning for our Motorcycle and Safety Week is well on the way to being completed thanks to a great team. Some of the activities this year include –

- Politicians, Police and public launch ride to WA police academy - Jo Rider (motorcycle police have agreed to wear the vests for the week) - VMS boards with safety messages - Advanced rider training forums - Coverage and promotion by local and regional councils - Christmas Charity Ride

Other actions

• Work with W.A. Police and W.A. Main Roads Department to enhance the fatal and serious accident investigations to move more towards solving and curing the problems and less emphasis on who was to blame. In other words how did it happen and what can we do to reduce the likelihood of the same type of accident repeating at that location and other similar locations.

• We now have our working group established to look into the possibility of establishing a W.A. Motorcycle Transport Policy.

• I now have regular meetings with W.A. Main Roads Department Executive Director to discuss new issues as they arise such as enhanced signage, Line marking and road delineation.

• I have also had some meetings with the W.A. Commissioner of Police on conducting some joint motorcycle safety courses.

• Currently working with the O.R.S. on a Motorcycle Safety Strategy with specific target reductions in fatalities.

• Recent grant approvals from RAC Grass Roots grants of $2,000.0 for new display boards and printing of safety literature and $1,950.00 for Motorcycle Safety Week expenses.

Dave Wright Motorcycle Riders Assoc. of W.A. inc. (Vice President/ Road Safety and Research Officer) Chair of W.A. Motorcycle and Scooter Safety Advisory Group Chair of WA Vulnerable Road User Advisory Group Ulysses Club National Safety Committee (WA representative) National Motorcycle Safety Consultative Committee (WA representative).

Discussion on the MRA WA’s Report Delegates thanked Dave for his report.


12.2 South Australia

12.2.1 Reports to AMC, by Phil McClelland and Neville Gray The main focus from the previous 12 months has been the pending motorcycle safety levy first mentioned in the National Road Safety Strategy 2010 – 2020 and then the subsequent South Australian version.

The MRASA has achieved considerable publicity on this proposed levy through the printed and electronic media with front-page exposure in the daily press. This issue is an emotive one and has polarized the riding community although apathy on the subject is very evident.

The MRASA constructed a discussion paper that featured on our website and was sent to Government Safety ‘Crats’ for their information. It discussed points for and against and a possible alternative method for funding this levy. It is as follows:

_________________________________________

A Discussion Paper The Proposed SA Motorcycle Safety Levy

Neville Gray and Peter Mount May 2012

This paper is being presented to inform motorcyclists and to stimulate discussion and response from MRASA members and the motorcycling community to enable the MRA to take further appropriate action. The MRA welcomes readers’ comments. The State Budget will be delivered on May 31, but it is not known if the levy will be included in it.

1. Background:

Victoria introduced a motorcycle safety levy in June 2002. It is based on registrations over 125cc, one per rider. It is the only state to have a dedicated pool of money to put into motorcycle safety initiatives. Australia-wide the current motorcycle fatality rate is approximately five deaths per 10,000 registrations1. Victoria has 4.0 and South Australia 4.8 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles2. Victoria therefore has a rate about 20% below the national rate, which is the lowest in Australia.

To date in Victoria, 148 motorcycle blackspots have been treated, and an analysis of 85 blackspots has shown a 24% reduction in motorcycle injury crashes at those locations3. Between 2005 and 2010 there has been an average annual reduction in fatalities of 1.6%4. The low crash rate in Victoria is claimed to be due to improvements to road infrastructure, road delineation, blackspots, engineering design, rider training and other areas brought about by levy money expenditure in line with recommendations of the Motorcycle Advisory Group.

A motorcycle safety levy has since been proposed in the Federal Government’s National Road Safety Strategy 2011–2020, released in September 2010. It is not clear why it was included given that the Federal Government does not register or insure motorcycles, although it may have been to assure state governments that the proposal had Federal Government support and to encourage national adoption.

The SA Road Safety Strategy 2011–2020 was released a few months later in early 2011 and the recommendation to consider a motorcycle safety levy was also included.

We do not know the cost of this proposed levy and reports of it being $30 are pure conjecture. (This is the amount that NZ riders pay to fund their levy; currently it is $63.80 for Victorian riders based on one registration per rider on bikes over 125cc.)

2. Current Road Safety Initiatives in SA

The Motor Accident Commission (MAC), as a result of meetings the MRA held with them some years ago, implemented the very successful and highly-acclaimed ‘Mick Doohan’ road safety campaigns, and currently the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure has three road safety barrier trials in progress.

MAC has also arranged surveys of riders’ opinions and engaged the MRA Road Safety Officer and other riders to help conduct live on-road video footage of dangerous situations to


improve drivers’ awareness of and behaviour towards motorcyclists through another of their TV advertising campaigns.

To enable direct promotion of these safety campaigns to a broad section of the motorcycling community, MAC has supported the MRA Toy Run for the previous three years, with riders benefiting from MAC’s high-profile presence at the event.

3. MRA Action

When we became aware of the possibility of a levy, we discussed the ramifications with the previous Minister for Road Safety, Tom Kenyon, when he attended our Committee meeting in July last year, and provided him with a list of desirable initiatives if it were to be introduced.

They are:

a) Form the South Australian Motorcycle Advisory Council (SAMAC) with representation from rider groups, Government departments, RAA, the Motor Accident Commission, RiderSafe and the SA Police.

b) Have immediate access to the amount of funding that would be projected to be raised by the proposed levy within the first twelve months of implementation.

c) The levy funds to be administered solely by SAMAC. It would be motorcyclists’ money and therefore should be controlled by motorcyclists.

d) No administration fees to be removed by the Government from these funds: the total amount to go into motorcycle safety projects only.

e) The compulsory RiderSafe fees to be reduced by the amount of the levy to help new riders coming into motorcycling.

f) The amount of the levy to be fixed and not subject to annual CPI reviews.

g) The Government to employ a motorcycle safety expert within the Safety Strategy Section of the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure.

Nothing has been heard from the Government on these proposals. The riding community has not been included in any negotiations on the proposed motorcycle safety levy.

4. The argument for introducing a levy

If the levy is introduced, we could at long last have funds to put into motorcycle safety projects.

Such projects could include:

a) Extending the roadside barrier protection trials to cover all motorcycle blackspot areas (it is known that at least three riders have been saved from death or serious injury already after impacting against these barrier protection devices).

b) Introducing refresher and advanced (Level 3) rider training courses. Some motorcyclists suspend their riding activities after they marry, usually for economic or family transportation reasons, then return to riding after the children have become independent. Many such riders believe ‘refresher’ training courses to be an invaluable aid to refamiliarising themselves with the skills they had acquired during their earlier experience.

After some experience subsequent to acquiring a full motorcycle licence, many riders seek to enhance their roadcraft skills by participating in training courses that are more advanced than those required to obtain their licence.

c) Ongoing campaigns to alert drivers of the need to look for motorcyclists (akin to the Motor Accident Commission’s most recent campaign and the earlier Mick Doohan ones). One of the biggest problem riders face is drivers not consciously looking for them, and doing things that cause crashes. We call these ‘SMIDSY’ crashes – “Sorry mate, I didn’t see you.”

d) An SA motorcycle in-depth crash study with associated data collection and analysis. In 1999-2000 the Association of European Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) initiated a ‘Motorcycle Accident In-Depth Study’ (MAIDS)5 involving 921 motorcyclists in five countries, which identified crash causation and consequences. MAIDS resulted in significant improvements to motorcycle safety and the initiation of R&D programs for safer road infrastructure.


e) A safety audit of all roads from a motorcyclist’s perspective with the aim of removing or improving all motorcycle-unfriendly road infrastructure. Road building and remodelling involves road safety auditors who are trained to identify hazards, potential or existing, at any given location, with the safety of all road users in mind. However, motorcycle safety, if considered, may not be given a high priority when costs and efficiencies are factored into the safety of other groups. An experienced motorcyclist’s eye in the auditing process would be of significant benefit.

f) Establishing dedicated off-road recreational riding and training areas. Off-road trail riding is a very popular sport, but there are limited areas in the Adelaide region and further afield the public may go to enjoy off-road motorcycling on an ad hoc, individual basis, or where off-road training may be facilitated. From a safety perspective, given the sport’s popularity, it makes sense to have places where riders can learn, formally and informally, to handle the diverse conditions. If these riders also have a road bike, such knowledge would enhance their skill and safety on the bitumen. Off-road areas have been established with considerable success in other Australian states.

Note: It must be clearly stated that the State Government has provided no argument whatsoever regarding justification for a levy or how the money would be spent. The above projects and possible benefits come solely from MRASA.

5. The argument against introducing a levy

5.1 A levy would be highly discriminatory on the grounds that:

(i) We already pay registration fees, insurance fees, petrol levies (state and federal, and taxes of various kinds which largely go into general revenue, to be returned as funding for transport and safety initiatives for all road users. To charge an impost on a particular road user group because it requires unique treatment of road surface and infrastructure in some circumstances is to remove the group from what is intended to be an equitably-funded system. Such an impost would therefore be discriminatory.

(ii) Any special treatment for motorcyclists’ requirements for a safer road system would almost invariably benefit all other road user groups, some of which (heavy vehicles) pay a tax for potential road damage, some of which (motorised bicycles) pay nothing, and the rest of which (cars, vans etc) pay a rate based on weight or/and estimated power. No such group pays a levy for any special requirements, nor would they contribute to a motorcycle levy that also benefited those other groups. This would be inequitable.

(iii) All road user groups with the exception of motorcyclists are provided with the most up-to-date infrastructure to improve their safety. For example, the installation of the innovative (and infamous) Wire Rope Safety Fence (WRSF) commenced about fifteen years ago on the grounds that it vastly improved the outcome of crashes involving cars and heavy vehicles, notwithstanding that it also vastly increased the perceived death and injury risk for motorcyclists, yet no specialised levy has been imposed upon those road user groups. This is not only inequitable, but immoral and irresponsible, especially given that no interest has been shown by governments or manufacturers in developing a motorcycle risk-mitigation system for WRSF (known within the motorcycling community as ‘cheesecutters’). (The one exception to this is the current investigation into motorcycle-frangible posts for WRSF conducted by Prof. Raphael Grzebiata of the Transport and Road Safety Research Department of the University of NSW)

(iv) Motorcycle use is consistent with, and should be encouraged to be, part of the transport system with their small environmental footprint (relatively low manufacturing costs, high fuel efficiency, low emissions) and contribution to a reduction in congestion (travelling and parking). The proposed levy will penalise those who favour motorcycles and discourage this participation.

5.2 Many motorcycle licence-holders are not active riders, but retain their licence endorsement as a sign of support for motorcycling, through pride, or because they intend riding in the future. Should they pay this levy even though they might never benefit? If they decide to hand in their motorcycle licence R endorsement it will cost them $25 to make the change. Will this further impost be addressed?


5.3 Many rural, regional and Outback stations and mining companies require their employees to have a motorcycle licence as a condition of employment. What benefit will those employees derive from a levy? Will any such funds be applied in remote areas?

5.4 Many licence-holders have adopted motorcycles as their usual form of transport purely for economic reasons. Their motorcycle licence has already cost them nearly $600 in training. Would they be likely to pay over $1200 plus helmet and clothing before they could ride? One could buy a runabout car for that. Could this deter inactive and would-be motorcyclists from ever getting on a bike? Is there another agenda here?

5.5 Scooter sales in Australia between 2004 and 2008 increased by over 400%6, and scooter and motorcycle registrations between 2001 and 2010 increased by 82%, yet in the latter period the number of fatalities only increased by 17%7. This suggests that motorcycle safety is improving nationally, not just in Victoria, and calls into question the comparative effectiveness of the Victorian levy. So would an SA ‘safety’ levy be merely a cash-grab on a minority group or is there an even less savoury objective?

5.6 There is concern that the levy expenditure could be administered by non-riding Government personnel who would have no idea of the issues that riders face. Just look over the border to Victoria where apparently anti-motorcycle media programs have been rolled out by the Transport Accident Commission.

5.7 How will the levy be disbursed? Will the input be diluted by the extraction of administration fees? During the first few years of the Victorian levy a significant proportion of the income went on administration, along with an intention of purchasing extra police motorcycles (under the ‘enforcement’ component of the terms of reference). Although such allocation of expenditure has improved markedly since, ‘enforcement’ is still considered a priority area of expenditure even though current road rules apply to all road users, including motorcyclists, and the police are required to administer the rules across the gamut of road users without requiring a specialised allocation of funding from any road user group.

5.8 With around five deaths per 10,000 motorcycle registrations across Australia, South Australia, at a rate of 4.8, is safer than most states, yet Victoria is the only one with a levy. One might readily conclude that the limited improvements to motorcycle safety already undertaken in SA are having some effect, even though minor, which can be enhanced through means such as the Government listening more attentively to riders and applying our recommendations with more determination, supportiveness and transparency, rather than simply applying a discriminatory levy with its largely negative consequences.

6. Comment:

It is by no means clear what the degree of the Government’s interest in motorcycle safety is given that a levy has been on the agenda for many months yet open consultation on the matter has not occurred. Quite the reverse, in fact; replies to MRA enquiries have been avoided. Will the Government just ‘announce and defend’, in line with the previous administration’s approach? Is the Government trying to avoid any controversy, or does it genuinely believe in working with motorcyclists to achieve productive outcomes in safety?

With the exception of some sections, the current Government does not have a particularly inspiring image in the eyes of South Australia’s motorcycling community. The Motorcycle Task Force, which had been performing more-or-less adequately since 2003, given its limitations, was disbanded without notice in mid-2011. It suffered from a lack of funding and was considered a consultative body rather than advisory and hence had no real capacity to implement recommendations for the improvement of motorcycle safety. The SA Motorcycle Safety Strategy 2005–2010 was not renewed despite our protestations and the fact that most other states have one in place.

We know that if this levy is implemented it will be based on motorcycle licences and not registrations. There are nearly 170,000 motorcycle licence-holders in South Australia (11% of the total population), which is a far greater number than motorcycle registrations. This means that motorcycle licensees currently make up some 15% of the voting public.


7. A radical alternative:

No-one will decry the objective of having a specific pool of money to spend on motorcycle safety initiatives.

That pool already exists. It is contained within general revenue, in the form of speeding fines, to the tune of around $110m, the projected 2012 income for all road user groups8.

Motorcyclists make up approximately 3% of the road fleet. Proportionately, this would equate to $3.3m from fines, not including other breaches of the road rules and registration and licensing requirements. This would be similar to an amount raised by a levy. This money could be easily transferred to SAMAC for dispensing into motorcycle safety projects, and would not have been raised inequitably.

After all, road taxes and fuel levies were originally intended to go into the road network and the safety of all road users, and it is logical that fines should too. The only ‘radical’ thing about using a proportion of that revenue for motorcycle safety would be that it would be utilised for its intended purpose.

References 1. Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local

Government, Road Safety Research and Analysis Report Monograph 20, Canberra 2. Ibid. 3. VicRoads motorcycle levy data sheet Jan 2012 4. Victoria’s Road Safety and Transport Strategic Action Plan for Powered Two Wheelers

2009-2013 5. Motorcycle Accident In-depth Study, ACEM, Brussels, 2004 6. Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries sales data sheet 2009 7. National Road Safety Strategy 2011–2020 8. SAPOL Expiation Section

End of report on Proposed SA Motorcycle Safety Levy _________________________________________

The MRASA website survey recorded 85% of contributors were against this levy from about 100 respondents. The MRASA expected the levy to be announced in the State Budget on 31st June but this did not occur. I would say that the statement of ‘15% of all voters hold a current motorcycle license’ would have scared the Government away from this discriminatory impost.

We now hear that the Government will be constructing a ‘Motorcycle Safety Discussion Paper’ in September to go out for review. So far the MRASA has not been invited to participate.

The Motorcycle Task Force, a consultative Rider representative and Government body interface group formed in 2004, has been unceremoniously disbanded without notice. The MTF was responsible for the Motorcycling Safety Strategy 2005 – 2010, the introduction of LAMS etc. throughout its life. This Rider / Government interface body will not be rebirthed and the old Strategy will not be renewed much to the disgust of the MRASA.

A new body has since been formed called the ‘Stakeholder Reference Group’ with one motorcyclists representative. This new Group is largely ineffective and is a token effort by the Government to look as though it is maintaining stakeholder input on road safety issues.

Part of the problem with poor liaison is the fact that we have had 6 Transport Ministers in the current Government term so far. The current Minister has made no attempt to contact the MRASA for dialogue. We get good relations with a Minister and he or she is moved on – we then need to start all over again – very frustrating.

The MRASA Toy Run for 2011 was a big success. We needed to find a new start and finish venue as the SA Police would no longer support the Toy Run with traffic control etc. at the previous venue. The 2012 TR started at the Clipsal V8 Track in central Adelaide and finished at Callington some 40 kms away.

Riders have supported the new TR and a record number of participants gave the new venues the ‘thumbs up’. A few teething problems were experienced and these are being addressed for 2013. We envisage that these new TR arrangements will be locked in for the foreseeable future.


The Motor Accident Commission has been retained as a major sponsor for 2013.

The MRASA has been involved in opposing some proposed speed limit reductions in highly trafficked popular motorcycle recreation areas. Calls for submission on these proposals have been replied to but inevitably, these lower limits were implemented anyway. The reasons for the lower speed limits were mainly as a result of a deterioration of the road surface which no longer conformed to the necessary minimum requirements. Poorer road surfaces equal lower speed limits it seems.

The Motor Accident Commission has asked selected riders to participate in a ‘helmet cam’ review of the interaction between riders and other road users. Some 10 riders were issued Hero Cams and were asked to rider ‘normally’ in and around the CBD. Some very interesting footage was recoded with errant drivers cutting off motorcyclists while talking on mobile phones. This footage featured on prime time TV News. Highlights were featured on the MAC website.

The MRASA was asked to give a presentation on this topic at the Australasian College of Road Safety bi-monthly rostrums.

Red light / number plate recognition cameras are in full swing throughout the Adelaide Metropolitan area. Last year we had 17 motorcycle deaths in SA of which only one involved a rider without an appropriate license whereas over the past 5 years, this figure averaged 35%.

There is no doubt that the number plate recognition cameras are a major deterrent for riders leaving home without current registration and being unlicensed as the two invariably go together.

Registration disks are no longer needed in SA as we join WA in this initiative. Motorcyclists have always had a problem with mounting rego disks to their machines and disk theft has always been a problem. Other than a few complaints centering on the lack of knowledge as to how long a vehicle has until the registration runs out, this initiative has been widely accepted by all road users. A website has been set up where a vehicles registration number can be quickly checked for currency of registration. Some problems have been encountered with SA and WA residents traveling interstate where rego disks are still needed and heavy handed Police have fined riders and drivers for not displaying these. (These Police forces have now been educated and pending fines have been waivered.)

The third and final series of motorcycle safety messages featuring Mick Doohan have been presented on state electronic media. The first was based on ‘the roads no place to race’, the second on the value of good protective clothing and the third describes the fact that almost half of all motorcycle crashes are at intersections. These can be downloaded at the MAC website.

There is now a review being conducted on the effect of these three safety messages. Already we know of an 18% increased uptake in protective clothing wearing of riders entering the Adelaide CBD since the second initiative went to air.

The 4Bs continue to visit injured riders but with a noticeable drop in numbers seen. We believe there are multiple reasons for this with patients having a shorter time in the ward before discharge and hospitals not admitting riders unless essential. We have recruited more visitors and are also working on a new visiting schedule.

We have been asked to supply assistance with the setting up of 4Bs in both Cairns and Perth. The interested riders have been requested to work through their local MRA’s. If the MRA’s decide to proceed, we can provide data on the documentation, procedures, legal requirements and insurance required.

12.2.2 What’s happening in South Australia, by Neville Gray The National Road Safety Strategy 2011 – 2020 is now some 9 months old and we can reflect on some of its contents. It seems that the Ulysses Club’s excellent and highly regarded submission along with many others was largely ignored by those who are in authority and who asked for feedback. Similarly the SA Road Safety Strategy 2011 – 2020 was largely devoid of motorcycle matters with the need for explore ABS braking, the need to catch speeding riders and the suggestion that a motorcycle levy be phased in, the only mentions we get – it was virtually a clone of the National version.


However, the subject of a motorcycle levy is a real one and I have been asked by the SA Government for an opinion on the subject.

The Ulysses Club is totally opposed to a levy as it discriminates against motorcyclists – no other road user group pays a specific levy and bicyclists pay neither registration nor insurance and are much more vulnerable than us.

This opposition was stated to the Minister for Road Safety when he invited me to attend a meeting with him in May but we need to be right up there if and when such a levy is introduced as the Government will do as it pleases and we really cannot stop this happening. We do have the benefit of knowing that such a levy is being possibly planned and therefore can put our case to the Minister and the Transport Department on what we would reluctantly accept.

(Our fellow Victorian riders did not have this foreknowledge and had to just accept the levy when it came in some 9 years ago.)

It is motorcyclists’ money and therefore motorcyclists will have the say as to where it will be spent. A high level South Australian Motorcycle Advisory Council (SAMAC) must be formed to solely administer the funds collected. It is envisaged that this Council would be similar to that in Victoria (VMAC) that administered the levy funding before disbanding earlier this year.

The amount of the levy money projected to be collected in a calendar year must be placed up front so that this amount can be spent in the first calendar year so that instant results can be achieved – sort of an up front loan to be paid back throughout the following year.

The compulsory Ridersafe course for new riders should have the fees reduced by the amount of the levy as these new riders have enough initial financial outgoings when entering the world of motorcycling!

The levy money must be spent on motorcycle specific areas only and not on general projects to benefit all road users.

The Minister and his staff were quite receptive to these demanded conditions but time will tell. One thing that we do know is that the proposed levy will be on motorcycle licences and not registrations. This is the system adopted in New Zealand, unlike the Victorian model. NZ motorcyclists have accepted their levy and like us here in SA did have input into its delivery, one of the chief players being the NZ Ulysses Club.

We have 68,000 registered motorcycles in SA and 168,000 licence holders. If the levy on registrations was $50 per annum, this would generate $3.4M whereas a levy on licence holders of $20 per annum would generate the some amount. $3.4M is seen as the minimal amount needed to make a difference – a levy of $20 a year is a small amount to possibly save many lives of our fellow riders.

Other States are also looking at a motorcycle levy, Queensland and NSW being two I know of. The various State members of the Ulysses Club National Road Safety Committee are all on the lookout for signs that the door may be open in their various jurisdictions so that we can have our say. It is far better to be proactive before a decision is announced.

One of the biggest road infrastructure problems we as riders encounter is the one of road side barriers. They are designed for cars and other four wheeled vehicles and any impact by a motorcyclist will surely lead to serious injuries or worse.

We have three ‘motorcycle friendly’ barrier trials being conducted in the nearby Adelaide Hills at the moment. One is the BASYC system where a wide ribbon of strong plastic is attached to the bottom of the horizontal W-Beam to prevent impact with the uprights posts.

Research tells us that in 55% of impacts, riders are off their machines and sliding along the pavement into the barrier. Unfortunately, these plastic ribbons are subject to vandal attack and are expensive to install and maintain.

The second trial is using an ACP product called rub rail similar to the BASYC ribbon but in galvanized steel. The rub rail is attached to the upright posts and covers the gap between the W-Beam and the ground surface. Already we have recent reports that two riders have crashed into these rails and walked away with no reported injuries – both their bikes were a mess!

The last trial is on the most loathed type of guard rail, the dreaded Wire Rope Barrier. ‘Stack Cushions’ are being attached to each post in highly trafficked motorcycle areas to prevent


hapless riders from impacting these knife-like objects. Impacts with WRB’s by motorcycles are thankfully rare as all self-respecting riders keep a safe distance from them and heighten their awareness levels when approaching these encumbrances. Stack cushions may be the only realistic method of making WRB’s safer for riders.

Neville Gray #3394 Ulysses Club National Road Safety Coordinator

Discussion on the MRA SA’s Reports Delegates thanked Neville and Phil for their reports.

12.3 New South Wales

Report for the MCC of NSW presented by Guy Stanford

Achievements • A new Minister and a new Department

A change of government as brought yet another new Minister but thankfully a stop to the revolving door of Ministers under the previous government. The RTA has been split into the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and the Centre of Road Safety.

• Motorcycle safety seminars and a Motorcycle Safety Strategy

A series of seminars have been held to develop NSW’s first government motorcycle safety strategy. Ten years after the MCC’s first strategy. The Centre for Road Safety has invited the MCC to be an active participant in the implementation of the government’s strategy. The MCC will develop its own road safety strategy once the government’s strategy has been released.

• Professional Services Agreement

A PSA has been signed between the RMS and the MCC. This will enable the MCC to be paid for the time it devotes to giving advice.

• Rider Risk Videos

These were funding by the Motor Accidents Authority (MAA). They have been very successful with distribution by 2Wheels and through other sources.

• Meetings with the MAA

Regular quarterly meetings are held between the MCC and the MAA. A reduction in CTP premiums has been achieved with more to follow.

• Transport Master Plan Seminars

A series of seminars were held on both Sydney and NSW regional areas. Riders were encouraged to attend. The MCC made a submission to a discussion paper prepared by Transport for NSW.

• Motorcycle Awareness Week

This event is starting to gain traction with more event planned for both city and regional centres this year than previous years

• Rego Labels

These will no longer be required from January 2013.

Projects and Issues for the coming year • Individual MCC Supporters

The MCC will start to accept Individual Supporters in October, to provide a wider support base.

• Recreational Registration


A proposal for recreational registration was formulated sometime ago. Developing a scheme acceptable to all parties is proving difficult.

• In-depth Motorcycle Crash Study

The Centre for Road Safety is funding a 2 year In-depth Case/Control Motorcycle Crash Study. The project is being under taken by Neuroscience Research Australia and headed by Dr Julie Brown and project managed by Liz de Rome. Currently they are trialling methods of identifying Case and Control subjects.

• Helmets

This is a priority issue that needs to be resolved to bring certainty back into the market.

Discussion on the MCC of NSW Report Delegates thanked Guy for the report.

12.4 Victoria Two reports were presented for Victoria: one by the MRAVic and one by the VMC.

12.4.1 MRAVic by Tony Ellis To call 2012 an interesting year is something of an understatement. It’s seen the MRA (Vic)’s first year after ceasing to be a formal lobby group, it’s seen the beginning of the new Motorcycle Advisory Group (MAG) and some advances (and setbacks).

Parliamentary Inquiry The Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety is probably the most important thing to have happened this year. With submissions including those from Professor Marcus Wigan, MA, Ulysses and an excellent submission from the VMC it was obvious that the motorcycling community had done their homework on this one. (Unlike most of the government agencies)

The majority of agency submissions were, as expected, negative and called for such things as mandating protective clothing, fluro vests and front numberplates. The protective clothing and fluro vest suggestions came from VicPol rather than the TAC.

The VicPol submission was intrinsically flawed and was withdrawn and resubmitted with a new set of numbers after the egregious flaws were pointed out. The front numberplates call was somewhat negated by a far more rational submission from VicRoads who explicitly stated the impracticality of this idea. However the concept is still floating around (more on this later).

There is a brief re-opening of the inquiry to examine the recent TAC commercial. The VMC and MA will be presenting along with the TAC and Senior Sergeant Peter Bellion (instigator of the advert). Given the excellent work done by Rob Salvadore on the topic, the outcome should prove interesting.

With the submissions now closed there will be a preliminary report in December, which the government has six months to respond to. Those of us who gave evidence to the inquiry went away with the impression that if not actively sympathetic, the inquiry was certainly taking the trouble to listen and digest our evidence. The outcome will be interesting…

Motorcycle Advisory Group (MAG) The MAG which has replaced the old Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council (VMAC) has now been running for almost a year. To my thinking it has been a step backwards. Two of the more vocal (and knowledgeable) reps (Hollie Black and Cameron Cuthill) were unfortunately not reappointed. While the newer members have been as vocal, the industry specific knowledge of Hollie and Cam has been a loss.

In addition, MAG is now an advisory group to VicRoads rather than the Minister. This limits the topics that can be brought up. The terms of reference are narrower, focussing on safety rather than the broader issues and the MAG does not have the direct influence over the levy funding that it had previously. This direct oversight has been replaced by a high level


strategic view. Workshops have been held recently to broadly examine what should be included in the funding.

High Visibility Clothing Apart from the VicPol call for mandated high vis clothing (and protective clothing) the issue has hit the news again recently with a country police officer getting disproportionate media time with the same calls.

Interestingly, during the levy funding workshops, with the strong view (interestingly supported by non other than Narelle Hayworth) was that before we start promoting or allowing the implementation of "solutions", we need to be sure that we understand the problem. Particularly given that current research showing that Cognitive Blindness and Target Fixation blindness (amongst other factors) are now recognised as key issues in this matter.

Frontal Identification Just when we though that the issue of front numberplates had been laid to rest, it was brought up again by VicPol in their submission to the parliamentary inquiry. Although formally shot down by the VicRoads submission it has become apparent that there are those within the various agencies wedded to the concept.

Again, the issue was raised at the levy expenditure workshops and there was an interesting difference of opinion amongst the VicRoads personnel attending. The author of the original report claimed that it was totally feasible and that it must be instituted as a matter of urgency. This is a topic that we will need to watch.

Bus Lanes and Road Space issues Despite some opposition from the cycling lobby, the Hoddle Street Bus Lane trials are progressing very satisfactorily. Initial reports have shown no safety issues or problems with buses (or cyclists) and the use by motorcycles and scooters continues to increase.

From discussions with VicRoads it appears that they are taking the issue of road space seriously. The excellent work done by Rob Smith (MA) in putting together a case for filtering has gone a long way towards this. The next step may be to identify areas where filtering and other road space issues such as advanced stop lines can actually be trialled. I believe this initiative will need to come from riders as if left to VicRoads it will be a very low priority.

General cooperation It has been gratifying to see the unity shown by Victorian motorcycling over the past year. Close co-operation has taken place between MA, the VMC, Ulysses and the MRA(Vic) on many issues and the VMC has picked up the formal lobbying process and is proceeding apace. As an example, a formal memorandum of understanding concerning the road space usage issue was signed between the major organisations, which set out formally ways and means to co-operate to ensure that riders were speaking with a single voice.

There has been a concerted effort by Victorian riders (mostly) to consult with the AMC before speaking on any national issues and the willingness to discuss and work in harmony is beginning to bear fruit.

Tony Ellis Member - Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Group Executive Member - Australian Motorcycle Council Road Safety and Research Officer - Motorcycle Riders Association (Victoria) Member - Ulysses Club Road Safety Committee #55305 Member - Australian Government Motorcycle Safety Consultative Committee.

Discussion on the MRAVic Report • MRAVic has handed on all lobbying duties to VMC

• Maurice Blackburn Lawyers was acknowledged for its support to VMC and MRAVic

• Chairman Shaun Lennard was thanked for organising the excellent pre Conference motorcycle tour


• Mayor Bertrand Cadart was thanked for the hospitality shown to riders in Bicheno

• VicRoads controls the motorcycle levy fund and is looking for Terms of reference on spending

• Motorcycle levy was used on road repairs caused by cars and trucks

12.4.2 VMC by Peter Baulch and Rob Salvatore Much has happened within VMC during the last 12 months, ensuring that we have had plenty to do.

The newly created Motorcycle Advisory Group commenced operation under the auspices of Vic Roads.

The VMC is represented on MAG, either directly or indirectly through Peter Baulch, Tony Ellis, Stuart Strickland and Rob Smith.

The effectiveness of MAG is yet to be determined with just 4 scheduled meetings p.a., but heavy lobbying has seen the introduction of a number of Workshop Forums, which are less formally structured and allow for a free flow of valuable input and discussion.

The VMC has focussed its efforts in two key areas: a) Internally, and b) Externally.

Internally

Internally: Significant energy has been put into such issues as our structure, model, constitution, administration, funding, member and rider communication, Web Site, Member Clubs, etc.

In this regard we have been somewhat limited, as much of our time and efforts has been channelled into EXTERNAL issues. Additionally, during the past 12 months, we have lost the services of Bron Sorensen (Secretary) due to her appointment to full time employment at M.A. Likewise, major industrial issues at Toyota this year have conspired to take up all of Tony Culleton’s time, thus depriving us of his services as Treasurer and Business Planner. Bron and Tony have been replaced by our current Acting Secretary/Treasurer Jeremy Walton. We have also seconded the services of Chris Henry and Grant Delahoy in assisting the set up of the VMC Website, Club and Member communication, Membership Lists, Meeting Organisation, etc.

The last full general Meeting of the VMC was held at the premises of HART – compliments of HONDA and was well attended, positive and constructive. Minutes are available from website or Secretary.

The Helmets issue, involving confusion over Legislation and Regulation (also including Guy & Chris).

The forthcoming AGM of the VMC will see duly elected members filling all key office positions.

Constructive series of meetings already held with VACC re “cooperation”.

Planned meetings with FCAI re “cooperation”.

Constructive dialogue with key operatives of Vic Scooter Riders Assocn and Bicycle Vic.

Appreciations • David Hawker – Chair of MAG

• Stuart Strickland – Consultant at large

• Ray Newland – Consultant

• Rob Smith – M.A.

• Robert Toscano – Honda & FCAI

• David Purchase – VACC

• Grant Delahoy – MRAV

• Shaun Lennard – AMC

• Denis Paulin & Jen Woods (Ulysses)

• Maurice Blackburn Lawyers

• Rob Salvatore – the “heart and soul” of VMC – Submissions, Data, Research & Policy.


Externally

Here our focus has been on effective representation, lobbying and advocacy for ALL motorcyclists and motorcycling issues. Constructive and respectful relationships now exist with Government Ministers, (and Opposition), Key Agencies Officers, especially Vic Roads) and other motorcycling stakeholders including: FCAI, VACC, AMC Board & Delegates, M.A. Ulysses, Honda, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, and Members of the Current Vic Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle safety.

Here, much of the VMC work (as always) has fallen on the shoulders of a few. The numerous issues requiring our attention, for data research, analysis, compilation, and ultimate input for submissions, etc. have included (but not limited to) the following:

• GLS discussion paper for VicRoads

• Off Road M/C representation

• MUARC M/C Case Control Study

• Support for concept of Vulnerable Road User Council

• Vic Govt. Parliamentary Inquiry into M/C safety

• NRSS – substantive submission of approx 20 pages

• Discredited TAC “Reconstruction” Advert.

• VMC role in conducting/hosting “pre-MAG” meetings with all Rider Reps & Chairman of MAG.

• Discussions with VACC & FCAI on potential models for “cooperation”.

• Nomination of Stuart Strickland for TAC Board position.

• Strong support and promotion for SMIDSY (in conjunction with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers)

• Helmets – confusion over current standards, regulations and legislation.

• NTC – various submissions (see below) - Transport Greenhouse Gas paper - Smart Transport for the future - VMC was the ONLY motorcycling organisation in Australia to make a

submission regarding 2012 Australian Road Rules Review

TAC Advert

Letters, representations, submissions and responses to: Premier, Minister for Roads, Minister for TAC, TAC Officers, AMCN, Vic Roads, Vic Police, Vic Parlt Inquiry (further submissions to be made by VMC on 31st Aug, 2012).

Detailed questions, Facilitation of meeting with TAC (following disastrous “Reconstruction” Advert).

Road Safety Camera Commissioner

Re: Frontal M/C identification.

Detailed submission in reply to a request for input. This was endorsed by Peter Baulch & Rob Salvatore of VMC, Rob Smith of M.A., Shaun Lennard of AMC & Grant Delahoy of MRAV.

Victoria Police

Major Accident Scene Templates for more accurate collection of vital data for analysis and research.

Vic Roads

MAG and Work Shops – Vision & strategic Guide foe Expenditure of Motorcycle Levy Funds.

All Submissions, Reports, Key Letters, Minutes, Notes, Research Documents, etc, referred to in this report are available from the VMC Website or on request to the VMC Secretary.

Peter Baulch Chairman – VMC Mob: 0428 246 175


Discussion on the VMC Report • VMC represented on MAG

• Energy is being put into the structure of the organization, external matters and staff replacement

• HART premises hosted the last VMC meeting

• Have potential models pending for cooperation with FCAI, Victorian Scooter Association, Bicycle Groups

• Constructive and Respective association and communication with VicRoads, FCAI, MA

• Parliamentary Enquiry Reopened on Discredited TAC account

• -Respectful and articulate discussions will have credible outcomes

• NRSS submission

• Commended Adam and Maurice Blackburn Lawyers on SMIDSY campaign

• Was the only organisation to make a submission to 2012 Australian Road Rules Review

• Road Safety Camera Commissioner was sent a highly researched and will documented submission on number plates which is available on the VMC website

• Hoddle St bus lane trial has been going 7 months and is continuing: VicRoads presented a detailed interim report which Peter Baulch was given permission to bring to AMC Conference

• VMC gives support to NRSS

• Appreciation for service to David Hawkins, Stuart Strickland, Ray Newland, Rob Smith, Denis Paulin, Jennifer Woods, Robert Toscano, David Purchess, Grant Delahoy, Shaun Lennard, Tony Ellis.

12.5 Australian Capital Territory Nicky Hussey presented the MRA ACT report.

Canberra Road / Rider issues One of the main gripes during the past year heard by the MRA ACT via our forum, Yahoo Group site and via direct email to the Committee has been the poor state of the Territory’s road surfaces. The drought has broken and deficiencies in the standard of re-sealing have become very obvious with the wet weather. Alternative transport infrastructure (high speed rail links, improved / increased airport capacity) don’t seem to have benefitted from the ‘savings’ in road repair work either. We have encouraged riders to report all concerns to the ACT Government.

Another common theme from our members has been regarding road furniture – there’s too much in cities and it’s inappropriately placed also. We continue to agitate for more use of frangible posts as part of the maintenance program.

Engaging with Government During the last twelve months MRA ACT representatives have provided detailed input into all road modifications, been involved in the Black Spot committee, the Majura Parkway Stakeholder Group, the ACT Government's Road User Working Group as well as their Motorcycle User Group – although there has been disappointingly few of those meetings!

The Road Users Working Group and the Motorcycle User Group include ACT Government, AFP, industry and training representatives. These meetings allow us to try to have the needs of motorcyclists considered in any planning and policy decisions.

The number of motorcycle related crashes at any given point does not accumulate into a measurable Black Spot for motorcycles, so our position on the Black Spot committee is to stop the use of treatments that will exacerbate the threat to vulnerable road users.


Promoting motorcycle awareness in the community Motorcycle Awareness Week was held last October as usual and planning for this year’s event, our sixth is well underway. The theme this year is Share the space – no tailgating. This year will include the usual events such as Joe Rider, our rider awareness campaign, as well as an event focussing on clothing options for safe riding in the form of a fashion parade combined with a trivia competition.

Organising and supporting events and rallies We also continue to run community events such as the Toy Run and Blanket Run, these being in their 32nd and 30th year respectively!

We promote and attend other motorcycle based or relevant charity events such as the Pink Ribbon Ride, the Poker Run Charity Ride for Cooma and Canberra Hospitals and Wall to Wall Ride in memory of police who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The Capital Rally organised by members of the MRA ACT, held on the Goodradigbee River in January, continues as it has for many years. For the rally lovers, this is a must attend.

Encouraging rider training Our Social Rides and Discovery Rides continue to be held at least once a month. Both these rides focus on mentoring and rider education.

We also work with the Road Safety Trust and Stay Upright to run the MASTERS (skills transfer for mature riders) course. This year we had to apply for another round of funding to continue and were successful in doing so even though it was outside the guidelines for funding, so October sees the relaunch of the training program.

Jen Woods Nicky Hussey President, MRA ACT Secretary, MRA ACT

Discussion on the MRA ACT’s Report Delegates thanked Nicky for the report.


12.6 United Motorcycle Council of Australia


Discussion on the UMCA Report Applause followed the reading of the report by Steve Clancy.


12.7 Queensland Chris Mearns, President of MRAQ presented his report.

Change of Committee In February the incumbent President Bill Payne resigned due to ill health.

Unfortunately the Vice President and membership officer were people that Bill had attracted to the organisation to work with him personally so that on his resignation these members also resigned their positions.

The Association refilled the committee positions in March with Chris Mearns being elected to President and Steven Clancy to the Vice President position.

The Treasurer position was also vacated and refilled in June.

Association direction The renewed Committee is committed to focusing on the core policies of the Association and making it into a competent lobby group for the rights of motorcyclists in Queensland.

The association’s documentation and intellectual property had to be reconstituted following the change in committee and this has now been completed.

State of the State In March the incumbent Labour government was completely devastated and replaced with a Liberal National government, which unfortunately is dominated by very inexperienced members.

The new government has gone on a mass cost cutting exercise with mass public service sackings and changes in department heads. This has paralysed the public service and sent them into a state of inaction until they are sure of their positions.

All this means that we now have to source and cultivate new relationships at all levels.

One of the cost cuts has been the closing on the Queensland Motorcycle Safety Advisory Group (QMSAG), which has left the Association with no direct contact with the Transport and Main Roads Department.

Correspondence has been sent to the new minister seeking to open lines of communication.

A Parliamentary Committee has been set up to review the motorcycle licensing process coming after the successful petitioning of the Government by a woman from the Sunshine Coast following the death of her son. The MRAQ has provided submissions to the Parliamentary Committee, which has been in basic compliance with all the main submitting groups and included suggesting pre leaner training, upgrade of the Q-Safe system and some minor revision of the Q-Ride alternative.

General As with all States, Queensland suffers from misleading, misquoted and misused statistics and we will be seeking to get some realistic figures and attempt to stop the misquoting of the ones available.

A motorcycle levy and 0% BAC for all motorcyclists were issues that were on the table prior to the change of Government and we will be monitoring and resisting any push for these items if actioned by the new Government.

It appears with the dissolution of the QMSAG the only State Government that has a specific motorcycle focus committee is Victoria; and it would be expected that the other states will pick up on what this committee comes up with. So we strongly suggest that the lines of communication between all the various groups be kept well open and any help that can be offered from group to group be provided.

Chris Mearns, President MRAQ


Discussion on the MRAQ Report • MRA Townsville be encourages to join AMC Forum

• MRAQ and MRA Townsville to forge common links

• Queensland is the most decentralised State with major regional centres, therefore there is a need for wider representation

• The Queensland Public Service appears not to be functioning correctly due to mass cost cutting and internal concerns about job security.

• John Meara congratulated Chris and MRAQ committee for their work in getting MRAQ functional. Shaun Lennard reiterated John Meara’s sentiments.


13. Open Forum

The meeting was opened for all attendees to raise any current motorcycling issues.

13.1 Proposal for a “National Motorcycling Strategy 2013-2018”, by John Meara

Introduction

I believe it is critical that we have a single, national strategy covering all elements of Powered Two Wheelers (PTWs); not the current separate state-based strategies; and it must have broadened coverage to include “transport” (not simply safety) as well as on- and off-road riding. In September 2011, the National Transport Commission released a detailed discussion paper on “Exploring the opportunities for reform”, titled “Smart transport for a growing nation project” – 76 pages without one mention of motorcycles!

Rationale

A single high-level national strategy for the motorcycling community (rider groups, industry, etc) would provide a framework or template for all motorcycling stakeholders to work to/from.

Such a strategy would reduce waste, rework and duplication of effort and allow the motorcycling community to take the lead. It would bring clarity to the maze of initiatives and priorities. It would not prevent passionate riders and representatives continuing to focus their personal efforts on the priorities they wish to pursue, but it would put those efforts into context.

A published and “marketed” national strategy would also guide all levels of government and their agencies, and provide a complimentary platform to the NTC’s National Road Safety Strategy and the various state/agency action plans.

What would this Strategy look and feel like? What have others done?

Reference examples include:

• The “Australian National Cycling Strategy 2011-2016” (37 pages by Austroads)

• MCC of NSW draft “Two Wheel transformation”.

• The UK Transport Department: “The Government’s Motorcycling Strategy” (2005)

• Victoria’s “Road Safety and Transport Strategic Action Plan for Powered Two Wheelers 2009-2013”

What should it cover?

Suggested priorities and objectives may cover all PTWs (& possibly Three-Wheelers) and the following:

1. National, state and regional strategies, structures, policies and integrated planning

2. Data and analysis

3. Technical guidance, best practice and promotion of motorcycling

4. Safety 4.1 Rider protection 4.2 Training and licensing (riders and other road users) 4.3 Education and enforcement (riders and other road users) 4.4 Risk taking and risk/hazard management 4.5 Road infrastructure, roadside hazards and riding facilities

5. Financial and legal

6. Monitoring and evaluation of strategy and regional activities.

Summary


Conclusion and Recommendation

I hope that the AMC gives this initiative due consideration – to gain support for a nationally consistent approach.

John Meara’s recommendation:

That the AMC develop a project proposal that includes gaining support from other motorcycling stakeholders and steps out the stages for developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating such a national strategy.

Discussion on the proposal for a National Motorcycling Strategy Delegates were unanimously supportive of the development of such a strategy and for it tom “set the agenda”. In addition to John’s rationale, delegates variously described the purpose of the Strategy as educational (all road users), as a road map for going forward, and enhancing motorcycling as a legitimate activity and road transport use.

There is a need to bring all groups together to have the document cover all stakeholders, and then present the document ultimately to government(s). It was suggested AMC form working groups to develop specific areas of the Strategy.

John Meara held up the Austroad’s ‘National Bicycle Strategy’ as an example of the sort of promotional document/tool that he envisaged. He suggested developing the motorcycling strategy document as a project that he was happy to steer, at least initially with ongoing approval. These concepts were well received by delegates.

Action 3:

John Meara to further develop his proposal and possibly a project outline, to gather support and encourage input and ideas, with ratification by AMC at key milestones.

13.2 Mayor of the Glamorgan Spring Bay Municipality: Bertrand Cadart

• Promotes motorcycling in Bicheno and surrounding area

• Is thankful for the opportunity to attend the AMC AGM

• Has forged strong links between Local Government and AMC through his association with Chairman Shaun Lennard

• Acknowledged Shaun’s skills in uniting people and his sincerity in the promotion of all things motorcycling.

______________________________________

End of Day 1 Day 1 of the Conference closed at 6:00 pm

Special Guest Speaker Federal Parliamentary Member, Andrew Wilkie MHR was a special guest at the Conference dinner. Andrew made a humorous and informative speech over dinner to members and guest, which was appreciated.

Andrew also presented a gift to Lorrie Hemming on behalf of the AMC in appreciation of her six years of service as Secretary.


12. Member Reports (continued)

Start Day 2 Day 2 of the Conference reconvened at 9:00 am on Sunday 26th August 2012. A quorum of Members was present. Presentation of the remaining local jurisdictions’ reports continued.

12.8 Northern Territory RANT Treasurer, Peter Karpati, presented the Rider Awareness Northern Territory reports.

Acting President’s Report, by Liza Tobin

Introduction

Despite my best intentions to step down, I remain the Acting President with Rider Awareness NT Inc (R.A.N.T.) this year, due to a lack of nominations at our last AGM.

Our next AGM on Monday 17 September 2012 will be our seventh, and it’s a credit to the core group of members that we have continued this long. With age comes experience, and R.A.N.T. is still learning about the ways of lobbying Government and other groups.

It was very satisfying to be involved in the protective clothing star rating system discussions as the voice from the Tropics. It’s even better to see the meetings followed up with further research and ongoing work.

Discussions with the NT Government Road Safety Department are ongoing regarding the 4-month rider training and testing waitlist in Darwin. I have lodged a “Honda Australia Rider Training (HART) in Darwin” proposal with the NT Government, as a way to overcome the ongoing waitlist problems and it is still under review.

R.A.N.T. has managed to have a presence at all our regular events again this year, including Superbikes, Shannons’ Motoring Extravaganza, monthly social rides, Rider Awareness Week, Skills Day, the Christmas Toy Run, and Bunnings and Variety Club Fun Run BBQs.

Highlights of 2011/2012 • Skills Share Day, to celebrate R.A.N.T.’s sixth birthday at Hidden Valley race track;

• Meetings with NT Government Road Safety Council, with some positive outcomes;

• R.A.N.T. website and Facebook continue to evolve and improve;

• Social rides well attended on a monthly basis - no crashes or incidents to report!;

• 37 financial members at time of writing;

• Ran fundraiser BBQs at Bunnings and Office works, raising the majority of our funds again;

• Securing financial support from the NT Government to attend the Australian Motorcycle Council (AMC) AGM again;

• Publicity and promotion via radio stations, newspaper, stalls at the Superbikes and Shannon’s Motoring Extravaganza;

• New bike banners and modifications to BBQ trailer;

• Making donations to the Salvation Army and the Variety Club from BBQ profits at the Christmas Toy Run and Fun Run;

• Liaison with the Motorcycling Clubs/Organisations and Dealers, including a meeting with Police Commissioner, John McRoberts;

• Liza Tobin being accepted on NT Government working party for a new Rider Handbook;

• Corporate and club memberships to R.A.N.T. under consideration after our next AGM;

• Creating an assets register of R.A.N.T. property;

• Ongoing input from the AMC via email;


• Rider Awareness Week, September 2011.

Lowlights of 2011/2012 • More riders killed and injured on NT roads. (3 male riders over 25 have died so far

this year.)

• Wire rope barriers remain in place.

• METAL waitlist in Darwin remains at four months for a Basic training course, as does testing for L’s.

Quarterly meetings with the NT Government Road Safety branch have not been achieved for various reasons.

Treasurer’s Report by Peter Karpati • Fully paid members as at 30/06/2012 numbered 56, of which 37 have renewed for

2012/2013.

• Books for 2011/2012 have been audited and given a clean bill of health, and everything is ready to go to the Department of Justice, once members have confirmed acceptance of the audited books at our upcoming AGM on Monday 17 September 2012.

• Bank balance as at 30/06/2012, confirmed by the audit, was $3,130.87.

• Membership Fees/Bunnings BBQ's form the major part of our fundraising and we intend to do a Bunnings BBQ probably twice a year.

• Members’ generous donations, both in money and time, have enabled us to continue to operate, but we need to be looking at other income sources to ensure R.A.N.T.'s future.

• Cost of Public Liability Insurance ($10 Million) at $769.00+ per year remains a major expense.

• R.A.N.T. has no outstanding debts and, in the short term, we can cover all our expenses as they arise. With say, another Bunnings BBQ ($1,000.00 net) and Membership Fees for 2013 still to come, we are in a reasonable financial position.

Ride Coordinator’s Report by Peter Karpati The monthly rides are proving popular, with an average number of 15 riders attending. Highlights are:

• The ride to Mandorah: usually 20 – 30 riders;

• January Wet Season ride to Litchfield Park - usually 20 – 30 riders;

• The Annual "Werewolf" Night Ride, which has drawn anywhere from 17 - 30+ riders each year;

• The R.A.N.T. BBQ Trailer continues to prove its worth, both as a focal point for socialising, and promoting R.A.NT.

We’re looking forward to many more rides to come, and the gathering of the R.A.N.T. "clan" around "The Trailer".

Discussion on the RANT Report Delegates thanked Peter for their report.


12.9 Tasmania Shaun Lennard presented the TMC report.

It is my pleasure to report on the key activities of the Tasmanian Motorcycle Council for the past year to the conference and AMC members.

As in other states, the number of motorcycle riders continues to grow.

Licensing and Training

With a growing number of new riders seeking learner permits and provisional licences, when the latest contract for rider trainers was announced in Tasmania there are now three training providers, whereas Tasmania has previously had one for each of the past two contract periods, dating back to the late 1990s.

The TMC was represented on the tender panel for the selection process too. One area we are still taking a keen interest in is the lack of any road skill component in the learner permit course. Anecdotal evidence and some written complaints indicate that many learners feel ill-prepared for riding on the road even after completing the course.

Looking at claims data from the Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB), it seems that novice riders are highly over-represented in crash claims – more than you might even expect. This of course contributes to higher premiums for all riders too.

One change the TMC has been able to make is modify the focus of the Road Skills Course, which is generously subsidised by the MAIB. The take-up rate remains relatively low, so this year it has been decided to rebrand this course as “Road Skills Course” taking out the word refresher. We are looking at ways to attract newer riders to do this course soon after obtaining their licence; whereas the focus had previously been on people who had been riding for some time. The two new additional trainers have expressed interest in adding this course to their business, and one other trainer not involved in novice training in Tasmania also runs this course – so that will see four providers offering this in the coming months.

The MAIB also remains as a sponsor of the TMC for other safety-related initiatives.

Policy on Speed Limits

The major policy item currently under consideration of the Council is a proposal to reduce the rural default speed limit on sealed roads from 100 km/h to 90 km/h. This will not apply to major, national-standard highways, which will remain at 110. The proposal relates to all other rural roads and highways and is not supported by the TMC. Working in conjunction with the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania, the best compromise reached within the council is that some major road lengths will remain at 100. Work is currently underway to determine which ones this might be. The TMC continues to lobby the government opposing the overall plan.

Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources liaison

We have continued to hold regular meetings with the state’s road safety manager, the chief engineer and others. One of the main items of ongoing discussion is the plan to install further sections of the “2+1” centre wire rope barrier system on parts of the state highway network. An animated video on the department’s website graphically displays how this could look on undulating and windy roads.

On a positive note, DIER has recently made some improvements on sections of rural road with a high rate of motorcycle crashes. These have been similar to some of the initiatives rolled out in Victoria, such as sealing the last sections of dirt roads where they meet curved sections of rural highway. Frangible, highly-visible warning signs are also been placed at some corners with a higher frequency of run-off-the-road motorcycle crashes.

We hope this becomes an ongoing program, to make alterations in areas where there have been concentrations of motorcycle crashes.

Similarly, it is now 4 years since the initial installation of rub-rail sections in limited locations around the state – we will be pushing for this to be expanded.


Registrations and crash numbers

The number of registered motorcycles and scooters in Tasmania continues to grow, as has been the case throughout the country, although the rate of increase has started to level off. There are now over 14,000 registered bikes in the state. More than ever it is important that motorcycles be considered in infrastructure developments and other planning processes.

It is very pleasing to note that at this time of continuing growth in motorcycling, the number of serious casualty crashes is actually decreasing. The number of motorcycle fatalities in 2010 was four, and in 2011 three – the two lowest tolls in living memory in Tasmania. Both 2010 and 2011 were record low years for the total road toll (i.e. all road users) in Tasmania, and this trend remains in 2012 at this stage.

Focus on serious injuries

With a significant reduction in all road deaths in the past two and half years, DIER and the Road Safety Advisory Council are now considering strategies to draw attention to the number of serious injuries as well. “fatals” is the general road safety measure, but of course there are significantly more serious injury crashes that we are also working to reduce.

Local government developments

We have worked with the Hobart, Launceston and Devonport councils on the subject of motorcycle parking, which has seen an increase in parking in Hobart and the creation of dedicated motorcycle parking zones in Launceston and Devonport.

Bus lanes are a new concept for Tasmania, in fact there is only one at this stage – on the highway leading into Hobart from Mt Nelson. DIER applied the Western Australian approach when this was created – i.e. allowing access to buses and pushbikes only. The TMC has been pursuing a change in the policy, and DIER is leading discussions with the Hobart City Council and government bus provide, Metro, over this. We anticipate a positive outcome, which should then set the norm for any future bus lanes in Tasmania.

Another round of annual funding from the National Building Blackspot Program will see a number of minor infrastructure projects undertaken this year. Programs are selected for finding from two sources – projects nominated by local council (which are then assessed and ranked on crash history) and road safety audits. Many of the projects involve installation of crash barriers, pedestrian refuges or roundabouts. The TMC will be pushing for a proper “safe system” approach to these new installations – aiming to see flexible signs installed, for example.

The TMC is also enquiring into the process behind the determination of black-spot projects. As you heard yesterday, a flat-rate formula is apparently used to determine the cost of incidents when it comes to assessing black spot priorities, regardless of the actual severity of the injury.

The TMC is preparing another version of its “it’s not rocket surgery” ad campaign, drawing attention to the vulnerability of riders in a crash involving another vehicle.

Point-to-point speed cameras

DIER is progressing with plans to introduce the first two point-to-point speed camera installations in Tasmania. The TMC has been consulted over the locations and operations of these.

Shaun Lennard President, Tasmanian Motorcycle Council 25 August 2012 [email protected]

Discussion on the TMC Report Delegates thanked Shaun for his report.


12.10 Ulysses Club Jen Woods presented the report from the Ulysses Club Road Safety Committee.

The Ulysses Club Road Safety Committee meets 3 times per year, with one of those meetings being the Road Safety Forum held at the AGM Event. The members of the Ulysses Club Road Safety Committee are:

Neville Gray – SA/NT; Tony Ellis – Vic; Allan Smith – QLD; Peter Ivanoff – NSW; Dave Wright – WA; Shaun Lennard – TAS; Jen Woods – National Committee/ACT.

Each member participates at the highest level within his or her own State/Territory. We are in the process of seeking a suitably experienced member from the Northern Territory to join this Committee. The National President, Denis Paulin also attends meetings of the committee.

The Road Safety Forum held at the Club’s AGM Event Week, is open to members to participate, ask questions, listen to invited speakers and hear reports from each state representative. The Road Safety Committee this year also held a “Traders Stand” during the week of the AGM Event, providing state-relevant road safety information as well as the use of the HART training simulator. This was successful and will be repeated at the AGM Event at Fraser Coast. Speakers and topics at the Road Safety Forum included:

• Peter Ivanoff – Breath, Blood and Alcohol – How it all works. Peter is a senior lecturer with Charles Sturt University in the School of Policing Studies

• Vicki Sanfelipo from Accident Scene Management Australia on her program about motorcycle crash site management.

• Shaun Lennard – An update on the international scene.

Our focus is of course the older rider and dealing nationally across different jurisdictions brings its own challenges, as we must juggle the differences in focus, strategy and road rules across the states and territories. One of our biggest challenges within the club is to get our members to avail themselves of Club heavily subsidised rider training.

Each meeting of the UCSRC involves detailed reporting from each state and territory representative, a review of events since the last meeting, knowledge sharing and planning. The value of being able to come together from each state and territory to discuss, compare and share the work being done at local level –a very valuable tool in providing a consistent message across our jurisdictions / rider population, cannot be understated. This combined meeting provides us the ability to learn from the experience of members in other states and share ideas and discuss programs and strategies.

In practical terms, each delegate addresses state based issues, and is able to provide input and experience in any response or proposal written – a recent example has been the response to the “Inquiry into the Motorcycle Licensing Process in Queensland”

I thank the Ulysses Club Inc for the continuing support in sponsoring and funding the Road Safety Committee, which has as its aims

1. To promote a safe riding culture within the Ulysses Club.

2. To ensure that the views of older riders are considered in developing road safety policy.

3. To facilitate the exchange of information between the National Road Safety Coordinator and the members of the Road Safety Committee.

To achieve this purpose involves identifying road safety issues that affect members, being involved in the formulation of policy and development of practical steps to address these issues. The Committee works to empower the AMC as the representative of the motorcycle community by the support of the UCRSC.

Jen Woods, #21395 On behalf of the Ulysses Club Road Safety Committee

Discussion on the Ulysses Club Report There was no discussion on the Ulysses Club’s report.


14 & 15. Member Resolutions and Presentations

14. Resolution by MCC of NSW The MCC of NSW proposed the following 3-part resolution, saying it goes back to 2007:

1. That the AMC write to the FCAI and MA advising that it wishes to advance motorcycle advocacy by the formation of an “Australian Motorcycle Federation” [AMF] along the lines agreed to at the conference in Melbourne in August 2000.

2. That the AMC lead a working group in the preparation of a draft constitution for an AMF

3. The AMC executive reports every 2 months to its delegates on progress on the formation of the AMF.

Discussion on the Resolution Following discussion on the original resolution and its intent, Peter Baulch (VMC) proposed that the motion be amended.

Amended Motion: 1. That the AMC write to FCAI and MA seeking cooperation in advancing

motorcycling in a united manner; 2. That the AMC seek cooperation with FCAI and MA to determine the best

means of achieving a united cooperation; 3. That the AMC Executive report quarterly to delegates.

Moved: Brian Wood (MCCofNSW)

Seconded: Guy Stanford (MCCofNSW)

Vote: Carried

15.1 Helmets, by Guy Stanford Guy Stanford presented a comprehensive but succinct history on the complex issues surrounding: the helmet standard; trade and standards marks; Commonwealth law and regulations Vs consumer law Vs states’ road rules; using a PowerPoint slide show. The following summarises the issues:

Overview

Helmet labelling and road rules enforcement is based on an error that has persisted for over 20 years. Current road rules are impossible to comply with. Administrative practice is at variance with the law. The market for helmets is controlled through commercial trademark “stickers”, forcing riders to select only Australian Standards helmets and pay high prices.

The Australian Standard for motorcycle helmets is no better than the national standards of Europe, Japan or the USA. All are good and all provide adequate levels of protection.

History and the Standard

Road rules requiring motorcyclists to wear a helmet were first introduced in 1972.

No specific helmet Standard was required. The market vacuum created by new road rules sucked in a lot of junk. With no effective consumer protection laws, riders were defrauded.

In 1974, Australia copied the new USA national helmet Standard and introduced the Trade Practices Act, but shonky helmets remained in use.

In 1978, the new Australian Standard, AS 1698 was demanded for helmets in use on roads through new road rules and a Customs ban was introduced, preventing import of helmets


unless they complied with AS 1698. A consumer product safety standard was mandated for helmets for sale under Section 63AA (1) of the Trade Practices Act.

Helmets for sale and in use on roads were then required to bear the Certification Mark of the Standards Association of Australia as specified in C’th Gazette G45 of 14 November 1978:

The registered Certification Mark of the Standards Association of Australia, encircled by the words “Approved to Australian Standard 1698”

Following a 1984 Commonwealth Inquiry into inconsistent helmet certification by the Standards Association of Australia (SAA), a subsequent Productivity Commission report recommended breaking up the SAA.

AS 1698-1988 was the last motorcycle helmet Standard published by the SAA and retains the demand for the above Certification mark at Clause 8(g).

In 1990, the Royal Charter of the SAA was revoked and six months later, their certification mark was removed from the Trademarks Register.

C’th Consumer Protection Notice No.9 of 1990, specifically removes any requirement for helmets offered for sale to bear any Certification Mark.

Road rules failed to incorporate these significant changes.

From 1990, the newly formed Standards Australia Pty Ltd created a separate company, “Quality Assurance Services” or “QAS”, to certify products and applied for a new Trademark (“five ticks”).

Administrative confusion has led to Police enforcement of the “five ticks” as if it were simply a replacement of the SAA Certification Mark.

Commercialisation

When the QAS division of Standards Australia was privatised in 2003, by being sold into SAI Global Ltd, Police enforcement assured regulatory protection of SAI Global in the newly privatised certification services sector. Road rules were not changed to reflect this significant change.

Newly established Conformance Assessment Bodies (CAB’s) struggled for acceptance by riders and administrators alike due to failure to update road rules. Fines and loss of license points by riders wearing helmets without the commercial Trademark of SAI Global Ltd, ensured a controlled market.

Current status

Since 1990, no Certification Mark has been required on a motorcycle helmet by the Commonwealth, for supply of helmets to the marketplace.

Since 1990, road rules have almost universally required that helmets in use on roads bear the Certification Mark of the Standards Association of Australia; the “kite mark” illustrated above.

Since 1990, Police enforcement has been erroneously based on the “five ticks” Trademark.

Since 2003, Police enforcement has provided market protection to SAI Global Ltd.

Despite difficulties, new CAB’s began eroding the market dominance of SAI Global Ltd and taking a significant share of the certification services market.

Whilst it is not necessary to apply a Certification Mark of any kind to a helmet, the helmet importer must be able to substantiate any claim to compliance with Consumer Protection Notice No.9. As a result, many importers employ a CAB to verify compliance. Through commercial arrangements between the importer and their chosen CAB, the Trademark of the CAB may be applied to a helmet.

That is, the Trademark of a CAB appears on a helmet only as a result of commercial arrangements, not because of any legal requirement for the Trademark in road rules or


supply laws. The only “mark” required by Road Rules in most States and Territories is the defunct SAA “kite mark”, with which compliance is impossible.

The Helmets Buying Guide at www.crash.org.au, jointly funded by the TAC of Victoria and Crashlab owner, the NSW Centre for Road Safety, lists no helmets at all, that are certified to the Commonwealth mandatory Standard. If the helmets comply with the standard, helmet labels do not reflect this.

Several helmets listed have labelling that at best are misleading, giving little confidence in more complex testing performed at Crashlab. It is apparent that accreditation by JAS-ANZ gives no assurance that helmets will be certified correctly and that accreditation by NATA gives no assurance of accuracy by Crashlab.

Conclusion

Consumer Protection Notice No.9 continues to mandate AS 1698-1988. The Commonwealth has not endorsed any other voluntary Standards for motorcycle helmets.

Existing road rules with a poor basis require correction. Current NSW road rules, similarly adopted by Victoria, demand the Certification Mark of the SAA in addition to one of a limited number of selected commercial trademarks.

Discussion on Helmets John Meara (Secretary) asked Guy, “What’s is the bottom line? What do we/AMC want?” Guy responded, “Ultimately we want another Commonwealth Inquiry, a third.”

Discussion surrounded confusion between, and understanding of, Australian Standards versus product Quality Assurance and their respective marks. It also included mismanagement of the relevant standards, commercial factors and the relevance of Federal consumer law and State road rules. A question was raised about off-road helmets also.

Outcomes of this discussion were for:

• Action to progress towards a Commonwealth Inquiry based on initial work in WA;

• Support the opening up of our Australian market to acceptance of the 3 main international helmet standards (i.e. Euro, USA and Japanese standards), as is the case already in New Zealand;

• Support the abandonment of various State road rules;

• Need for AMC to drive this through a dedicated subcommittee as a priority.

Action 4:

The AMC Executive to form a subcommittee on ‘Helmets and Standards’ involving Peter Baulch (VMC), Guy Stanford (MCCofNSW) and Dave Wright (MRAWA) to pursue positive outcomes for motorcyclists.

15.2 Research Update, by Ray Newland Ray Newland was unable to attend the Conference and apologised for not submitting a report at this time.

15.3 Conference Reports, by Shaun Lennard Shaun presented a brief report on each of 3 conferences attended during the period:

15.3.1 Urban Congestion Conference

Shaun gave an overview of his presentation at the Urban Congestion Conference held in Sydney in March 2012, highlighting some of the slides and the points that had been covered.

It is hoped to voice over the PowerPoint presentation and load it onto YouTube.


15.3.2 2011 Australasian Road Safety Research Policing and Education Conference

Shaun attended this in Perth, along with Dave Wright of MRAWA. Shaun’s registration was sponsored by the RAC of WA.

There are a number of presentations from this conference that are of interest and relevance to the AMC. This is not limited to the motorcycle-specific presentations, but others on areas such as education/marketing, policing, infrastructure, human behaviours, etc.

The bank of papers from previous conferences has not been available for some months, but this is being addressed through a new arrangement involving the ACRS.

15.3.3 2011 and 2012 Australasian College of Road Safety Conferences

The 2011 conference was held soon after the 2011 AMC conference, and the 2012 conference was held earlier in August just prior to this year’s AMC conference.

Shaun is a member of the ACRS (as is Brian Wood) and attended each of these events.

As with the road safety conference, this provides direct access to all the materials, information and researchers, and puts the AMC in a position to make many contacts.

There are a number of papers from each of these conferences that should ideally be reviewed – the quantity of information available is itself a challenge.

Discussion on Conference Reports These conferences cover a multitude and diversity of topics, including infrastructure, human behaviour, emerging vehicle technologies and training/education. It was suggested that AMC develop expert groups around the key areas. John Meara suggested such AMC expert groups should align to the priority areas that will ultimately be described in a ‘National Motorcycling Strategy’.

Delegates agreed there was tremendous value in representation at these conferences - that attendance by AMC representatives was very important to the promotion of motorcycling and the AMC as a professional organisation representing rider groups; building consultative links with other organisations and to inclusion of motorcycling in their work.

15.4 ATVs, by Guy Stanford Guy Stanford (MCCofNSW) circulated a report that takes a broad perspective on ATV safety issues. It provides comment on: issues with fatality and injury data and its availability; whether ATVs are suitable vehicles for use on farms; whether farmers should wear helmets when riding ATVs; and should roll-bars be fitted to ATV’s. The following is a summary taken from the introduction and conclusions of that report:

Introduction

From the AMC perspective, we treat ATV’s as a sub-set of off-road motorcycle use.

Off-road injury data can be awkward to dissect. Lack of lead agencies for off-road injury in any State compounds difficulties in discovering detail. On-road data is readily available and coordinated. Police reports provide the bulk of data fields.

On-road crash data is forwarded by each State or Territory to compile the national “ATSB Fatals File” administered by the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure and Transport. It is important to note that the data held is simply descriptive and does not provide evidence of causal factors. Injury data is held at the State level and quite variable between States. No such minimum dataset exists for off-road crashes.

Conclusions

Lack of a lead agency in off-road use of motorcycle and ATV’s results in lack of coordinated effort and confusion as disparate groups vie for prestige and research funds from the limited agencies that have some responsibility in the area.


Fragar has described the problems through use of national fatality data from the NCIS. Fragar’s work does not lead directly to appropriate safety interventions. It has created an opinion-fest.

Direction of research is vague and does not appear to address solutions. Limited research funding may be squandered.

90% of the 10 million or so ATV’s are in the USA, where large fleets are operated safely by various government agencies. It is clear that Australia has plenty to learn from them, but has yet to do so.

Parochialism may have intruded to limit thinking.

From an AMC perspective, we need to focus upon the identified items that riders can use to manage their own risks:

• Training in ATV riding

• Protective gear

• Appropriate areas of use

• Manage risks in area of use

• No passengers

• Observe manufacturers loading guidelines.

Discussion on ATVs Cameron Cuthill (FCAI) reinforced the position on ATVs from a manufacturer’s point of view (as discussed earlier during his FCAI presentation).

AMC will provide a submission to Work Safe Australia on their Review of Design and Engineering Controls for Improving Quad Bike Safety. Guy Stanford will develop the submission.


16. General Business

16.1&7 Filtering and establishing National regulations

These 2 agenda items combined. Tony Ellis (MRAVic) presented a summary on the status of Victoria’s efforts to legalise filtering. The goal is to establish a framework for national regulation to recognise and legalise safe filtering.

The difference was made clear between “filtering” (in stationary traffic or traffic moving up to 30kph) versus “lane splitting” (at higher speeds and not condoned).

A reference document was circulated, “Filtering should be regarded as a subset of overtaking”. This document comments on the various Australian Road Rules and how filtering can be defined or provides scope for inclusion of filtering.

Tony provided some information on TAC’s Hoddle Street filtering trial, which was also covered in his MRAVic report on page 37. Peter Baulch (VMC) provided additional information as follows:

Results of study into Motorcycles in Hoddle Street Bus Lane Trial

Detailed analysis currently is being undertaken. Report expected to be completed in the next few weeks

• Many motorcycles travelled the full length of Hoddle Street

• Significant numbers used the bus lane

• Motorcycles delaying buses were very low

• Interactions at bus stops and stop lines nearly always involved lane filtering

• Delays to buses at B lights were very small

• Small number of incidents are being investigated

• Motorcycle speeds are being evaluated

• Average travel time improvement for motorcycles by approximately 40 sec

• Reliability of motorcycle travel time increased.

Where to from here:

• Final report expected to be completed in the next few weeks

• VicRoads to analyse the report findings (Aug & Sep)

• VicRoads to develop a broader policy position (Oct – Dec)

• Strategic input from MAG will be sought at the Nov meeting

• Motorcycles will continue to have access to the bus lane until a position has been decided.

Discussion on Filtering The discussion moved quickly to the following action:

Action 5:

The AMC Executive to form a subcommittee on ‘Transport & Road Space’ that includes Filtering. This subcommittee to include Tony Ellis (MRAVic) and Rob Salvatore (VMC), and to also involve MA’s Rob Smith as a consultant.


16.2 Impact of EU regulations on ABS, throttle control, anti-tamper, dB level

Rob Salvatore (VMC) presented briefly on motorcycle technology. Cameron Cuthill (FCAI) also provided valuable input from an Industry perspective.

Discussion on motorcycle technology The resultant discussion concluded that we might not be able to stop the advance of technology, however we must engage importantly on how these technologies are implemented.

The discussion resulted in the following action:

Action 6:

The AMC Executive to form a subcommittee to cover all elements of ‘The Motorcycle’ itself, including technology and ITS.

16.3 National recreational licence status This topic raised the questions:

1. What is the status of the Victorian “Recreational Licence”? and 2. Which States have a “recreational registration” (or for historic bikes)?

FCAI has been working on a proposal regarding recreational registration across states.

Discussion on licensing The resultant discussion touched also on “unriders” – those unlicensed riders on unregistered machines. The discussion resulted in the following action:

Action 7:

The AMC Executive to form a subcommittee on “Licensing and registration”, including recreational application, and will work closely with FCAI where possible.

16.4 Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety

Peter Baulch (VMC) gave a brief update on the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety.

This topic already covered in the MRAVic report by Tony Ellis on page 36. Further information is available on the VMC’s web site.

16.5 Front number plates This topic was covered in the MRAVic report on page 37.

16.6 High-viz vests This topic was partially covered in the MRAVic report on page 37. Mention was made of a VicPol policy to have riders wear 5 pieces of protective gear and that this sounded like a solution looking for a problem.

Rob Salvatore also gave a short update on a recent "hi-viz" issue in Victoria:


• Sgt Bill Gore (VicPol) from Wangaratta got into the local media about mandatory hi-viz, which was his preference based on his VicPol submission to the parliamentary inquiry into motorcycle safety. There was mention of a hi-viz trial.

• Road Safe North East had previously conducted a motorcycle survey: 600 surveys went out; 250 responses came back. The greatest concern was other vehicles on the roads.

• At a forum with local riders where the survey results were shared, the response to this greatest concern was to informally trial hi-viz. 12 riders accepted the opportunity to wear hi-viz and report back to the RSNE committee on what their observations were.

• The media statement got Australia-wide exposure and generated a lot of concern and interest.

• The second scheduled forum had over 100 attendees and hi-viz was dropped from the agenda.

• With respect to VMC involvement, Rob contacted RSNE after the media reports and offered the VMC’s help regarding the trial. It was evident there was no control or protocols of any kind which was concerning since the results could be open to wide interpretation.

• As far as is known, the trial has been abandoned.

Action 8:

The AMC to produce a media statement and a Position Statement dealing with hi-viz (separate to the Position Statement on Protective Clothing).

16.8 TAC advertising campaign Rob Salvatore (VMC) gave a short update on the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle safety. This topic also covered in the VMC report on page 39.

In the week following the AMC Conference, VMC and MA motorcycle reps will put the rider's case forward to the supplementary parliamentary inquiry into the TAC motorcycle reconstruction advertisement. The advert is not supported.

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Note: Agenda Item 16.9 was dealt with as Item 13.1 Proposal for a “National Motorcycling Strategy” (see page 46).

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16.10&11 Priority issues AMC in 2012/13 These 2 agenda items combined. Shaun Lennard and Dave Wright were each concerned for the AMC to develop a set of priority issues for tackling in the next year and measuring success.

Discussion on list of priorities: Issues discussed as high priority included the following:

• Improving AMC connections to Government

• Improving media relations

• Improving international organisation relationships

• Adopting a more consistent approach across motorcycling nationally

• Helmets

• Filtering

• Recreational registration


• Opposition to high-viz vests

• National road hazard reporting scheme

• Ensuring the second ‘Motorcycle & Scooter Safety Summit’ was run.

It was suggested we need a matrix that documents all the issues and progress against each. John Meara said this was in effect the same as the proposed National Motorcycle Strategy and action plans that flowed from such a strategy. These would provide for measurement of progress, particularly for each jurisdiction.

Phil McClelland mentioned a report by CASR, “What we don’t know about safety” located on their web site.

Action 9:

Phil McClelland to circulate to delegates the CASR report, “What we don’t know about safety”.

Motorcycle & Scooter Safety Summit #2

The discussion highlighted the need for securing the second ‘Motorcycle & Scooter Safety Summit’, particularly given that funds had been allocated and these were at risk of being lost if no action was taken before November this year.

Action 10:

Shaun Lennard to write to Catherine King and possibly get Andrew Wilkie involved in securing these funds and progress towards a Motorcycle & Scooter Safety Summit #2.

The agreed top 6 priorities for the AMC for 2012-13 were as follows:

1. Strategy development

2. Working with Government to advance a second Motorcycle & Scooter Safety Summit

3. Helmets

4. Motorcycles as a legitimate form of transport, including focus on filtering

5. Working with Motorcycling Australia and FCAI (as per motion)

6. Working with external organisations and forums.

Additionally, Rob Salvatore (VMC) suggested AMC set up a ‘Data/Statistics’ expert group that communicates electronically. This was agreed.

Action 11:

The AMC to form a ‘Data/Statistics’ expert group, led by Rob Salvatore.

16.12 Format of member organisation reports Shaun Lennard suggested that AMC member reports adopt a standardised format in future, and that a template be developed and circulated for acceptance and use by the 2013 conference.

John Meara suggested that development of a National Motorcycle Strategy would assist in identifying the key issues for reporting. An MS Word template can be developed to facilitate a more professional standardised ‘look and feel’ and make completion of the Minutes easier.

Action 12:

The Secretary will develop a draft report format with input from the Executive, for use by delegates in 2013.


16.12 2013 AMC Conference date and location It was initially motion moved by Phil McClelland (MRASA) that the 2013 Conference be held in Western Australia. This was seconded by Peter Karpati (RANT).

Following discussion on logistics and cost issues, it was left to Dave Wright (MRAWA) to provide feedback on costs through the Executive Committee prior to a final decision being ratified. If necessary, an alternate venue would be decided.

The date in August of the 2013 conference has not yet been determined. Tentative dates include either 3/4 or 10/11 August 2013.

Action 13:

Dave Wright (MRAWA) to investigate costs to AMC and delegates of holding the 2013 conference in Western Australia, and to report back to the Executive.


17. Conference Close

The Conference formally closed at 1:15 pm and concluded with lunch.

As an informal wrap-up over lunch, delegates and guests were asked to share their thoughts on the conference. The overall response was very positive. Some comments included:

• The conference acted as a report card on jurisdictional activities. This could be further developed as part of the National Motorcycling Strategy.

• It was great! Highly valuable.

• Great – an excellent resource.

• The AMC’s role needs to be: - Strategy - Communication - Tackling national concerns - To develop ‘one plan’ for uniformity across the country.

• A lot of work to be done. Don’t forget Brendan Nelson’s advice on writing to your local members. And use your local (free) newspaper, radio stations and make calls to your local electorate’s office.

Summary of Key Motions and Actions • Shaun Lennard to contact the Australian Road Safety Collaboration to confirm

representation of Brian Wood on the infrastructure sub-committee.

• Brian Wood (MCCofNSW) to draft the necessary clause(s) for changing the AMC Constitution to provide for Associate Memberships, then to circulate these changes to Delegates for discussion and approval through an electronic Special General Meeting. This process to allow Associate Memberships include a motion to accept eMICA as such.

• Membership fees remain the same at $300 for this financial year.

• The AMC develop a project proposal that includes gaining support from other motorcycling stakeholders and steps out the stages for developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating such a national strategy. John Meara to further develop his proposal and possibly a project outline, to gather support and encourage input and ideas, with ratification by AMC at key milestones.

• The AMC write to FCAI and MA seeking cooperation in advancing motorcycling in a united manner; Seek cooperation with FCAI and MA to determine the best means of achieving a united cooperation; and the Executive report quarterly to delegates.

• The AMC Executive to form the following subcommittees:

- ‘Helmets and Standards’ involving Peter Baulch (VMC), Guy Stanford (MCCofNSW) and Dave Wright (MRAWA) to pursue a positive outcome for motorcyclists.

- ‘Transport & Road Space’ that includes Filtering, to include Tony Ellis (MRAVic) and Rob Salvatore (VMC), and to also involve MA’s Rob Smith as a consultant.

- Covering all elements of ‘The Motorcycle’ itself, including technology and ITS

- “Licensing and registration”, including recreational application.

• The AMC to produce a media statement and a Position Statement dealing with hi-viz.

• Phil McClelland to circulate to delegates the CASR report, “What we don’t know about safety”.

• Shaun Lennard to write to Catherine King and possibly get Andrew Wilkie involved in securing these funds and progress towards a Motorcycle & Scooter Safety Summit #2.


• The AMC to form a ‘Data/Statistics’ expert group, led by Rob Salvatore.

• The AMC Secretary will develop a draft report format with input from the Executive, for use by delegates in 2013.

• Dave Wright (MRAWA) to investigate costs to AMC and delegates of holding the 2013 conference in Western Australia, and to report back to the Executive. Date of next conference, tentatively 3/4 or 10/11 August 2013.

__________________________________________________________________________

Declaration We declare that to the best of our knowledge, this document is a true and accurate record of the proceedings of the 2012 Conference of the Australian Motorcycle Council.

Signed: ………………………………………………………………… Date: …………………….…………… John Meara, Secretary

Signed: ………………………………………………….…………… Date: …………………….…………… Shaun Lennard, Chairman

End of 2012 Conference Minutes.

Original signed by Secretary and Chairman