I call on Premier Daniel Andrews to take urgent action to address the dangers posed by international drivers who don’t have the skills or knowledge to drive on Australian roads.

We are seeing an alarming spate of road accidents and near misses involving international drivers, whether they be tourists or foreigners on temporary student or work visas.

In Victoria, any person with a foreign driver’s licence can drive on Australian roads providing a copy of their licence is available in English.  Frankly, these laws are too lax.

Tourism is the lifeblood of the Surf Coast and the Great Ocean Road.  But dramatic action is required.  More than 20 per cent of accidents on the Great Ocean Road involve an international driver.  

Daniel Andrews is now willing to agree to increased signage in foreign languages but we are seeing too little action, too late.

Hire car and bus companies have a duty of care to ensure international drivers have the skills and knowledge to drive on Australian roads. 

These companies must do much more – on-line testing of local road laws, “drive left” signs on the dashboard and verification of driver experience are all possible measures.  

If car and bus hire companies are not willing to play ball, then the law must be changed.  There can be no compromise on road safety – our roads must be safe for all road users.

I also believe airlines should be playing safety videos on all inbound fights to Australia.