Victoria Deputy Premier Peter Ryan

Victoria Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan

Road Safety Camera Commissioner Appointed

Victor P Taffa

Former County Court Judge Gordon Lewis AM will become Australia’s first independent Road Safety Camera Commissioner, Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan said today.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is pleased to announce that Mr. Lewis will start in the newly-created role in February as part of this government’s commitment to provide greater transparency and public accountability around road safety cameras.” Mr. Ryan said.

“This is the first office of its kind to be established anywhere in Australia and motorists will be pleased to know they have a man of such integrity in charge of this significant new office providing another layer of confidence for all road users in Victoria.”

“Judge Lewis is a decorated legal professional who will be able to provide ongoing support for motorists in regard to the state’s road safety cameras and their operation.”

Mr. Ryan said the office of the Road Safety Camera Commissioner, which would include three full time staff, would provide the following essential functions:

· Quality assurance and reporting: to independently monitor and review current camera operations;
· Investigate and review: any part of the system at his own choosing, or if requested by the Minister to do so;
· Complaints management: so that any person who feels they have been hard-done-by can lodge a complaint with the Camera Commissioner, though it won’t be his role to intervene in individual cases;
· Reference group: the Camera Commissioner will be able to establish a reference group of external advisors to assist him in his role.

“This is a significant day for Victorian motorists who will now have a permanent and independent office to assist with complaints and quality assurance of the state’s road safety camera program.” Mr. Ryan said.

The independent Road Safety Camera Commissioner will have the capacity to review and investigate any aspect of the camera system and make appropriate recommendations.

Judge Lewis will report to Parliament on an annual basis.