Boat races at risk of savage fines under proposed Victorian laws

PROPOSED laws that could see boating event organisers slapped with huge fines for not meeting safety regulations could put decades-old competitions in jeopardy.

Proposed laws that could see boating event organisers slapped with huge fines for not meeting safety regulations could put decades-old competitions in jeopardy.

PROPOSED laws that could see boating event organisers slapped with huge fines for not meeting safety regulations could put decades-old competitions in jeopardy.

Organisers of anything from a school kayak excursion to a major yachting regatta could face fines of more than $285,000 if the legislation passes parliament.

Boating industry groups, Lifesaving clubs and Scouts Victoria have monitored the Bill as it passed the lower house and have each called for wording to be clarified.

The original purpose of the Port and Marine Legislation Amendment Bill was to ban children as young as 12 from getting a boat licence.

But amendments include fines for any organisers of a “boating activity event” who fail to provide adequate safety information to participants and spectators.

Boating Industry Association of spokesman David Heyes said the “savage fines” for organisers would be a real obstacle to putting on events.

“We want people to go outside and enjoy the great outdoors, we don’t want obstacles to that.”

He said it also was not clear what the actual safety obligations of an organiser was so they would not fall foul of the new law.

Victorian Recreational Fishing board member Franz Grasser said fishing events with dozens of boats were often safer than just one boat going out fishing for bass.

“We would be calling for fishing events and competitions to be exempt,” Mr Grasser said.

Scouts Victoria executive manager Dougal Mayor said he hoped the Bill would be amended to ensure volunteers were not liable to huge fines.

“We are right behind safety but we would like to see some greater certainty for volunteers,” he said.

“We will continue to consult with the government.”

Greens Leader Greg Barber said boating and swimming clubs would be racked with uncertainty if the Bill passed in its current form.

Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“Events may get cancelled due to that uncertainty.”

He said the legislation was not clear on what a safe standard was but “huge penalties apply for those that breach it.

The Greens are likely to try to delay the Bill passing the Legislative Council.

Minister for Ports Luke Donnellan said keeping people safe in the water was a top priority. He said the government would continue to talk to those managing boating events before the Bill goes through the Legislative Council and becomes law.