KAP to move motion to disallow changes to lifejacket regulations in parliament

New lifejacket rules have been criticised by Katter’s deputy leader Nick Dametto as ‘southern-centric’ and ‘impractical’ for North Queenslanders in croc country. See the new laws + have your say.

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto in state parliament.

New lifejacket rules coming into parliament have been criticised by Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto as ‘southern-centric’ and ‘impractical’ for North Queenslanders in croc country, saying they don’t take into account the way of life for boaties and fishers up north.

The Katter’s Australia Party and members of the boating community argue that fishermen who regularly go out on a boat alone with no life jacket could be caught out by these changes — and harsh penalties of up to 500 penalty units or two years’ jail.

The Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Legislation Amendment Regulation 2024 would require life jackets to be worn by people boating alone or only accompanied with children under 12 years on an open boat less than 4.8m, people boating between sunset or sunrise on an open boat and by people crossing a designated coastal bar on an open boat of any length.

Children aged over one and under 12 must always wear a lifejacket when in an open boat of any length.

The rules apply to a range of boats and crafts including sailboats, pedal boats, rafts, rowboats and sea and surf kayaks.

The penalty for noncompliance for the new regulations could amount to 500 penalty units or two years imprisonment.

The regulations were tabled by the former Labor Government in September 2024, with Mr Dametto moving a disallowance motion on Thursday on the legislation.

Set to come into effect from December 1, Maritime Safety Queensland advised the enforcement of the regulations would be delayed until July 1, 2025 to ensure the public was aware of the changes.

Maritime Safety Queensland advised the changes on lifejacket legislation were in the interest of public safety. File Picture

Mr Dametto and the Katter’s Australian Party argued there was “no evidence” to suggest the new rules would improve marine safety.

But MSQ say in the last five years, 64 lives were lost in boating incidents across Queensland, with only five of these fatalities known to have been wearing a lifejacket.

“These rules make sense in airconditioned offices in Brisbane, but they don’t take into account the heat, humidity and unique risks of our waterways,” Mr Dametto said.

“In North Queensland, our waterways are full of crocodiles and sharks. If you fall overboard, your first thought isn’t about drowning, it’s about getting back on board before something gets you.”

Mr Dametto agreed young children should be required to wear life jackets but said boaties should be allowed use their own judgement about when they wear one, saying the KAP will be calling on the Crisafulli government to support their disallowance motion.

MSQ say from December 1 they will work to educate the public on the changes through social media and other digital channels and by speaking with the boating community, saying their goal was to ensure that every member was up to date with the new requirements.

For more information on the changes to lifejacket laws visit www.msq.qld.gov.au/safety/life-jackets

Do you agree with the new lifejacket laws? Join in the conversation in the comments below.

Originally published as KAP to move motion to disallow changes to lifejacket regulations in parliament