Media release – Cassy O’Connor MLC, Greens Justice Spokesperson, 8 February 2025
Delays on quad bike safety reform risks more tragedy
Jocelyn Daguman was 14 years old when she died in an ATV accident at Boyer on 13 February 2023.
Two years later, her devastated parents, Julius Daguman and Sonia van den Heuvel, are still searching for answers. They want the government to act on quad bike safety to prevent a repeat of the tragedy for other parents and loved ones to suffer.
Julius and Sonia have asked the Greens to help them press for change, today launching an e-petition calling on the Rockliff Government to better regulate quad bikes and save lives.
More than 20 people have been killed in quad bike or ATV accidents in Tasmania since the year 2000.
Eight years ago, Coroner Simon Cooper reported on his inquest into seven quad bike deaths between 2012-2015.
He found, overwhelmingly, these deaths could have been prevented. Coroner Cooper recommended government legislate to require mandatory training and licensing of all quad bike users and the use of helmets.
Coroner Cooper also recommended children under 16 be prohibited from operating adult-sized quad bikes; that children under 16 not be allowed to operate ‘youth-sized’ quad bikes other than in accordance with manufacturer specifications; and that children under 6 years be prohibited from operating any quad bike in any circumstance.
While the Liberal Government allocated one-off funds towards quad bike safety, and strengthened regulations around quad bike use in workplaces, there has been no action taken to improve safety on private properties like the one at Boyer where Jocelyn Daguman’s life ended.
If government had acted on the Coroner’s 2017 recommendations, Jocelyn may still have been with us today.
In the report of his investigation into Jocelyn’s death, in April last year, Coroner Robert Webster called on government to implement all of Coroner Cooper’s recommendations from 2017.
He pointed out there is still no requirement under Tasmanian law for people to be trained to ride a quad bike or ATV outside of the workplace, or be licensed. There are also no restrictions the age of the rider or driver of a quad bike or vehicle such as that used by Jocelyn Daguman.
For years now the Greens have been asking Attorneys-General and Ministers in Estimates about the lack of meaningful action to improve quad bike safety on private property. We have never been provided with a reasonable justification for the refusal to act.
Two Coroners have pointed the way, making sensible achievable recommendations to government that will save lives if implemented.
The time for excuses is over. Lives have been lost and are at stake in the future.
The Rockliff Government must understand it has responsibility to legislate for quad bike and ATV safety, preventing tragedies like one that Julius and Sonia continue to suffer, and saving lives.
Media release – Tasmania Police, 19 October 2023
Fatal Quad Bike Crash, Wynyard
A sixteen year old male has died as a result of a single quad bike crash on Minnies Road at Wynyard.
Police were contacted yesterday afternoon after the rider could not be located by family members. A search then located the male down an embankment in the early hours of this morning.
This incident is currently being investigated by Western Crash Investigation Services. Minnies Road and Smith Road Wynyard is currently closed while emergency services are at the scene. People are asked to avoid the area until police have finalised their investigations.
Anyone with any information relating to a red Honda quad bike in the area after 4pm on the 18th of October 2023 is asked to contact police on 131444 or via Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperstas.com.au.
