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Listen to Daniel Andrews’ triple-0 call moments after collision with cyclist

By Gemma Grant and Rachel Eddie

A triple-zero call made by Daniel Andrews following a 2013 car accident that left a teenage cyclist seriously injured has been released to the public more than 10 years later.

The audio captures the moments after the collision on the Mornington Peninsula, in which the then opposition leader alerts emergency services to the accident.

Andrews called triple zero after cyclist Ryan Meuleman, 15, collided with the taxpayer-funded 4WD being driven by Andrews’ wife Catherine.

“We’ve turned right … and he’s come flying through on the bike path and we’ve hit him,” Andrews can be heard saying to the operator, on the audio obtained by A Current Affair.

“He’s a teenager, I’d say he’d be 15 … He’s conscious, but he’s in a lot of pain.”

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The then teenager suffered serious injuries, and was later airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital where he underwent surgery.

The two police officers on the scene were investigated by police Professional Standards Command for failing to adhere to police protocol, for failing to breathalyse the driver.

“Both members were administered Workplace Guidance and the matter has been finalised,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said in 2017.

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In 2022, Meuleman secured $80,000 compensation from the Transport Accident Commission following the accident.

Earlier this year, he announced he would be suing his former law firm, Slater & Gordon.

Meuleman alleges that the firm did not conduct a proper investigation of the January 7 crash, and that it should have sought a larger payout. The proceedings are due to be heard in the Supreme Court.

Daniel Andrews and his wife Catherine.

Daniel Andrews and his wife Catherine.Credit: Jason South

Speaking in the Legislative Council on Thursday, Libertarian MP David Limbrick first indicated that he’d heard a recording of the triple-zero call made by Andrews. He called for the audio to be made public, and the investigation to be reopened.

Meuleman’s father Peter then spoke on the steps of Parliament House to coincide with Limbrick’s statement in the chamber. He agreed that the call should be released.

“It helps our case, and it shows that the case should be reopened,” he said.

Investigations by Victoria Police cleared Daniel and Catherine Andrews over the accident. Police handling of the event was cleared by the state integrity watchdog.”

The couple have also strenuously denied any wrongdoing regarding the incident.

Andrews has been contacted for comment.

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Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/link/follow-20170101-p5kn9z