The Minister for Roads and Ports, Geoff Craige, has set the Terms of Reference for the Parliamentary Road Safety Committee to conduct an inquiry into Victoria's vehicle roadworthy system.

The Committee has been asked to investigate the extent to which vehicle unroadworthiness is a contributing factor to crashes.

It also has been requested to review Victoria's present roadworthy system and to look at cost-effective alternatives that may reduce the incidence and severity of vehicle crashes.

Under the present system, a Roadworthiness Certificate (RWC) is required whenever a used motor vehicle or a commercial vehicle is presented for registration or the vehicle is transferred.

A form of RWC is also required for licenced buses and taxis and the Victoria Police undertake on-road inspections that result in the issuance of around 50,000 Defect Notices annually. More than 20% of the state's vehicle fleet is subjected to a full roadworthy inspection each year.

The Parliamentary Road Safety Committee will compare Victoria's roadworthiness schemes with those of other states and comparable jurisdictions overseas.

Mr Craige said that the Committee would consult with VicRoads, the Victoria Police, the RACV, the VACC and other road safety stakeholders, and would canvass the views of the motor vehicle repair and insurance industries.

The Committee will also liaise closely with the Parliamentary Environment and Natural Resources Committee inquiry into the contribution of older motor vehicles to air pollution.

To inquire into, consider and make recommendations on the effectiveness of vehicle roadworthiness systems in reducing the incidence and severity of crashes, reporting on:

1. The extent to which vehicle roadworthiness is involved as a primary or contributing factor in crash causation.
2. The effectiveness of the existing Victorian roadworthiness system and options to improve vehicle roadworthiness that can be justified having regard to their costs and benefits.
3. The potential for vehicle roadworthiness systems that could operate as an alternative to compulsory periodic testing including an analysis of the associated benefits and costs.
4. The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry.

In conducting the Inquiry, the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations, the motor repair and insurance industries, Victoria Police and other government agencies. In particular, the Committee is requested to examine vehicle roadworthiness and vehicle inspection systems in other Australian states and comparable overseas jurisdictions. The Committee is also requested to liaise with the Environment and Natural Resources Committee's Inquiry into the contribution of older vehicles to air pollution.

(News Release, Office of the Minister for Roads and Ports, February 8, 1999)