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Parties united over ‘nanny state’ laws

Headshot of Dylan Caporn
Dylan CapornThe West Australian
VideoDylan Caporn explains why state politicians will debate nanny state laws like mandatory bike helmets and pool fences.

So-called “nanny state” laws covering e-cigarettes, mandatory bike helmets and lifejackets are to be scrutinised by State Parliament.

The investigation, to be detailed by Liberal Democrat MP Aaron Stonehouse today, will be supported by Labor, Liberal and crossbench MPs when it is put to a vote in the Upper House.

The new personal choice and community safety committee, to be chaired by Mr Stonehouse, will examine the economic and social impact of measures that restrict personal choice “for the individual’s own good”.

Terms of reference for the inquiry include an investigation into the ban on e-cigarettes and compulsory bike helmets and lifejackets.

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“I’m not a fan of the ‘nanny state’, and for a while now I’ve been thinking about the best way to do some serious damage to this life-sucking nebulous enterprise,” Mr Stonehouse said.

“Every time I see a person wearing a bicycle helmet in the city, I think to myself here’s another sign of the Government forcing someone to do something they may not have otherwise felt they needed to do.

The inquiry include an investigation into compulsory bike helmets.
Camera IconThe inquiry include an investigation into compulsory bike helmets. Credit: Ian Munro

“I think the best outcome for personal liberty in Western Australia would be to have an open and honest discussion about some of the assumptions that underlie paternalistic laws.”

The terms of reference allow the committee to look at other laws.

Mr Stonehouse said he was interested in examining pool fencing regulations and vehicle modification restrictions, but said the committee would be driven by the weight of submissions and hearings on the issues.

“It’s not just me on this inquiry, there are five other members from other parties who may also have ideas,” he said.

“We want to encourage people to submit and give evidence to the committee. If there’s a groundswell of interest in a particular issue, and they write to the committee, then we can investigate it.”

Labor Upper House leader Sue Ellery said the Government supported Mr Stonehouse’s motion to initiate the inquiry.

“The Government is not committed to any particular outcome of that inquiry,” Ms Ellery said.

“Mr Stonehouse wants a forum to discuss these issues. We considered it and we’re happy to support that.”

Liberal Upper House leader Peter Collier said the party would back the inquiry and would nominate Steve Thomas to sit on the committee.

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