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Drink-drive apology by senator

09 Feb, 2012 07:12 AM
ANOTHER Tasmanian politician has publicly apologised after being caught drink-driving at the weekend - the second to do so in six months.

Liberal Senator Stephen Parry yesterday issued a written, public apology after he was randomly breath tested on Saturday in Launceston and recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.10 - twice the legal limit.

The former police officer described it as a major error of judgment.

``After demonstrating an excellent driving record for over 35 years, I have been regarded as a road safety role model, and example, to my family, friends and supporters. My actions in one misjudgment have now tarnished that role,'' he said.

``I am deeply embarrassed. There is no doubt I have let them down. I should have known better.''

Senator Parry, 51, is due to appear at the Launceston Magistrates Court on April 11.

He said he would accept the reading and any punishment meted out.

``I foolishly estimated that my blood alcohol limit was within the limit of the law. This in no way excuses my actions, rather it reinforces the message not to be too smart and think that you can accurately predict your reading, once you have consumed any alcohol and intend driving.''

Deputy Premier Bryan Green was disqualified from driving for three months after pleading guilty to drink-driving on July 25.

He formally apologised to Premier Lara Giddings and the public after recording a blood alcohol reading of 0.068.

John Gledhill, chairman of the Road Safety Advisory Council, said the latest case should serve as a warning to all Tasmanians.

``To me, the biggest thing is the danger that you place other people in and that's the message we've got to get through to people,'' he said.

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Date: Newest first | Oldest first
If Senator Parry was over twice the legal limit, yet "foolishly estimated he was within it" then his estimating is very inaccurate. Every drink impairs driving, and its not responsible to try and "just fit" under the limit in this way This reflects on his suitability for the job.
Posted by Anne Cadwallader, 9/02/2012 5:53:36 AM, on The Examiner
Whether you are a Senator, a truck driver, a saleswoman, a housewife, a teacher - if you drink drive and share the roads I am on I still view you as a BOGAN.

No apology would satisfy me.

CONSIDER for one moment Senator the job of the Emergency Workers who have to scrape road accident victims off the road.

DO NOT DRINK DRIVE AGAIN

Posted by Driver, 9/02/2012 7:51:22 AM, on The Examiner
Sentencing of this kind of neglect that endangers the public should be a whole lot harsher, regardless of who the perpetrator is, IMO.
Posted by Jeremy Charleton, 9/02/2012 9:18:51 AM, on The Examiner
In the news last night it was said that the Senator was setting a 'bad example'. Shouldn't that have been that he wasn't setting a good example? Totally agree - don't drink & drive however the Senator is a mere mortal with a huge wage packet - why should he be singled out publicly. It won't make an impression on voters (as alcohol is not his brief) nor will it make others sit up and think. So, the whole thing (bad as it is) is another political cheap shot. (Excuse the pun)! I do not underestimate the carnage caused by substance affected people. I abhor it. I do not abhor Mr Parry.
Posted by Margaret, 9/02/2012 10:54:32 AM, on The Examiner
In a lotta jobs you aint got no drivers lic you lose your job .
Posted by twistie, 9/02/2012 2:25:41 PM, on The Examiner
Senator Parry, sadly the crocodile tears dont wash, he is meant to set an example, he failed, he has enough money to afford cabs in Tas and gets a Limo in Canberra, any sentence will not really hurt the Senator, does not seem like fair justice to me, and an ex cop that makes him even sillier than silly..
Posted by charl95, 9/02/2012 4:02:46 PM, on The Examiner

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