Changes to Hit-And-Run Charges, Drug Testing, and Port Mooring Licences
Roads and Ports Legislation Amendment (Road Safety and Other Matters) Bill 2025
1st House
2nd House
Law
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Hit-and-run prosecutions extended: The time limit for prosecuting lower-level “fail to stop and render assistance” offences is doubled—from 12 months to 24 months, giving police more time to investigate minor incidents.
Expands the range of approved health professionals who can collect blood samples in drug-driving cases—helping overcome staffing limitations in rural and remote areas.
Allows non-sworn authorised police staff (not just sworn officers) to issue infringements based on road safety camera detections—like red?light or speed cameras—reducing pressure on front-line police.
Empowers port managers to act as harbour masters when none are appointed, expanding their responsibilities.
Establishes a licensing scheme for mooring service providers, making it unlawful to operate without a licence and allowing conditions to be applied.
expanded powers to compel document production in (maritime) safety and enforcement investigations.
Enhancements to marine pollution liability (including cases originating outside state waters), streamlined removal of abandoned items from ports
Enables broader sharing of information with port and waterway managers for law enforcement and exempts certain documents from the Freedom of Information regime.
Under the Road Management Act 2004, allows explicit definition of who is responsible for specific road infrastructure.
Covers minor and technical amendments across multiple statutes governing transport operations—from local ports to broader safety schemes and integrated transport legislation.