Sunday 2 July 2017
Pine Rivers Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) has scored more than $320,000 from the Palaszczuk Government to deliver a driver training program where volunteer instructors donate their time and vehicles so learners can get their driving time up to the 100 hours needed to sit the Queensland driver’s licence test.
Treasurer Curtis Pitt has announced a $5.16 million three-year funding commitment for PCYC from the government’s Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) – the body responsible for regulating Queensland’s compulsory third party (CTP) insurance scheme.
PCYC’s ‘Braking the Cycle’ program matches volunteer driver/mentors with young learner drivers who otherwise may not be able to access a supervisor or registered vehicle to complete their mandatory 100 pre-testing logbook hours.
“This support by MAIC for this valuable program will give thousands of young Queenslanders a chance for motoring independence and to become safer, better-informed drivers,” Mr Pitt said.
“Getting your license provides young people with increased employment opportunities, as well as broader community connection.
“But for many, many young people this is by no means an easy journey. PCYC’s Braking the Cycle is a first-class program designed to help young people along that journey.”
Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd said it was a game-changing program that has helped local youths to secure jobs and apprenticeships.
"PCYC’s Braking the Cycle aims to not only empower young people to get their license, but also to break the cycle of welfare, unemployment, and anti-social behavior,” Ms Boyd said.
“You don’t have to own a car to be an apprentice electrician or carpenter, but you do need a licence to be of use on the worksite.
“I can’t speak highly enough of this program and the opportunities it provides for kids in Pine Rivers and across Queensland.”
PCYC Queensland Chief Executive Officer Phil Schultz said PCYC Braking the Cycle was developed in response to community concerns around unlicensed driving and unemployment within lower socio-economic areas.
“The 100 hour pre-testing requirement can place enormous stress on young people and act as a significant barrier to getting a license and then having the opportunity to engage in employment,” Mr Schultz said.
“By investing in young motorists before they obtain their licence, this program also helps to ensure safer driver and safer roads for the future.”
Insurance Commissioner Neil Singleton said research showed young drivers were at fault in more 25 per cent of crashes resulting in a claim being submitted to the Queensland CTP scheme.
“So funding of this type, which can improve driving outcomes, and reduce road trauma, is of significant benefit to motorists’ welfare and their families, friends and the broader community,” he said.
The MAIC funding will commence on 1 July 2017.
MAIC joins a number of government, industry and community supporters of the PCYC’s Braking the Cycle program, in particular the significant contribution from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.
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