Wednesday 25 September 2013

EPISODE 5 ON TV THIS SATURDAY

TEMPORARY AUSTRALIANS

We ask why would anyone go adventure motorcycling.

Jonesy checks out the Hard Ride and catches up with Angry Anderson.

We go on a very wet Good as Gold Poker Run in Queensland.

Jonesy checks out the Suzuki GSXR.

We find out why it is not the rider's fault in Melbourne and discover what the boys should be wearing.

Jonesy discovers a classic KTM.

We find out what motivates Long Hall Lyn.

Jonesy catches up with 2GB radio host Chris Smith and we find out where the Hard Ride ended up.

Saturday, September 28, 2013.

2pm on ONE

DODGY DRIVER?

Poor guy . . . another rider suffers at hand of dodgy car driver:-(

http://www.vicpolicenews.com.au/news/1455-witness-appeal-to-motorcycle-crash-at-rosanna.html

Email: independentridersgroup@iinet.net.au

ROYALAUTO

I saw the letter in the October Royalauto on the "Motorcycle' Safety Levy". I think it is the only place in the mag where the word motorcycle appears.

As a long standing member of the RACV I resent the absense/avoidance of motorcycles & scooters in the members' magazine compared to bicycles. It is especially galling that we do not rate a mention in the annual report, in the same issue. Bicycles do. Bicycles get massive coverage in Royalsuto. Why don't we?

My family has been paying lots of membership fees and insurance premiums to the RACV for decades. I reckon a lot of other riders' families have been contributing to the RACV too. I reckon we deserve space in our mag every issue as in the past.

It's time for a letter writing campaign to get a fair go from Royalauto.

Damien
IRG
www.damiencodognottooam.blogspot.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoJvui8viW4

https://www.facebook.com/steve.bardsley1?ref=name#!/events/468146693299823/

RACV's SUPPORT OF ANTI-MOTORCYCLE MEASURES

As an ex patriot Victorian- who still has many friends and relatives in Victoria- I am disgusted at the RACV's support of the Victorian Government's continued motorcycle tax.

The tax is euphemistically known as a safety levy. It is a discriminatory rort administered through Vic Roads as part of the TAC's insatiable greed.

Here are several facts regarding the tax that the RACV no doubt wishes the public to remain oblivious to:

We are told-amongst other dickslip- that the tax exists to protect motorcycle riders by repairing "accident" (a misnomer) black spots. All road users from car drivers to gelati truck drivers to operators of gay madis gras floats benefit from the improvement of roads that this tax pays for yet motorcyclists are the only group footing the bill.
The exact amount of money that is actually spent on abovementioned road repairs is a closely guarded secret. There is nothing transparent about the administration of the tax. Therefore one can safely guess that almost all of it is shovelled into consolidated revenue coffers.
Furthermore, regarding spending of the tax, the TAC, the evil that is, have (mis)used the tax to produce several appaulingly inaccurate and vilifying advertisements on TV portraying motorcyclists as irresponsible hoons clad in thongs and siglets whose bikes inexplicably highside on straight roads with disasterous results.

One such ad showed a typically truth-bending police officer implying how when a car fails to give way to a vehicle at a stop sign, it is the other vehicle's fault...provided the other vehicle is a motorcycle!

That the RACV would support such an insult to a group of road users, let alone the families of those motorcycle riders who have been killed or injured at the hands of of car drivers is inexcusable.

I also understand that the RACV applauds the Victorian oligarchy's will to introduce vehicle transponders (electronic identifiers) on motorcycles.
Here are some facts regarding same;

The government does not expect to (re)introduce FRONT REGISTRATION PLATES on motorcycles. These will not work given the different shape and characteristics of different models of motorcycles. If I have to explain to the RACV that all motorcycles are not the same then your 'organisation' has no right calling itself an authority on anything to do with modern vehicles.
The number of motorcycle riders using the absence of frontal identification to evade speed cameras (something which the RACV now seems to endorse?!) is infinitesimal. The claim that this is justification to introduce identifiers is ludicrous in the extreme. In fact there are probably far more corrupt police at large in our 'community' than people on motorcycles riding at insane speeds with impunity.
If speed camera evasion was the primary concern here the simple, easy and cheap solution (to a non existent problem) would be to turn the cameras around, photographing vehicles from behind where there is a number plate.
I suspect that there are more ulterior motives at work as is the case whenever the government subjugates the population, especially in the name of security. Such aims are easily achievable when applied to a minority and the majority is misinformed. How much more easily achieved when victoria's motoring (anti motorcycling?) group endorses same?

The RACV in its support of these draconian, unnecessary measures has plumbed new depths of un- Australianness and its members who either ignore the RACV's stance or agree with it have plumbed new depths of bovine stupidity.

The RACV has nothing to lose from getting me offside given that I no longer reside in "The Place To Be" , however I shall make it my business to implore everyone I know to reconsider their support of RACV through roadside assistance, all types of insurance and consumption of goods and services advertised in Royal Auto magazine should the RACV fail to withdraw its support of these anti-motorcycle measures.

Warmest Regards,

Lindsay Swift

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/abolish-tac-antibike-tax.html

TAC TAX & WRB PROMISES

Sometimes people complain that politicians don't keep their promises.

It's true.

I've seen a lot of it in Victoria.

Premier Bracks (ALP) promised to stop wire rope barriers (WRB). He put it in writing. Then he got elected and the Sir Humphries got into him.

Premier Napthine (Liberal) promised to stop the discriminatory TAC tax. He put it in the media. Then he got elected and the Sir Humphries got into him.

The 2012 Parliamentary inquiry into motorcycle & scooter safety recommended that the TAC TAX be abolished so Premier Napthine has no excuse. The only reason to keep the TAC TAX is to keep motorcycling down.

www.parliament.vic.gov.au/rsc/inquiries/article/1409

But it's partly our fault. The motorcycle & scooter community is pathetically apathetic when it comes to standing up for itself.

Go see your MP. Tell him/her loud and clear that you want Premier Napthine to keep his promise to the 326,000 plus Victorians who hold bike licences, pay more than our share for our right to ride and vote.

There is a state election in 2014. Tell the MP you will vote anything but Liberal if Premier Napthine does not keep his promise to abolish the TAC TAX well before the election.

http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members

And sign the petition.

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/abolish-tac-antibike-tax.html

ACID ATTACK! 2

Hi Damien, sadly, not many papers at all that I could find, only The Age, and a bare 2 pages of links on Google of various electronic news services. The ABC cover it well, and Vic Police on their News page and Facebook.

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/bikies-not-responsible-for-bizarre-assault-20130921-2u6is.html

https://www.google.com.au/#cr=countryAU&q=acid+attack+motorbike+motorcycle+rider+victoria+gippsland&start=10&tbs=ctr:countryAU,qdr:d

Cate:-)

Email: independentridersgroup@iinet.net.au

On 22/09/2013 6:02 PM, Damien Codognotto wrote:

It may be these were just cowardly punks who thought they could get away with it because the rider was a bikie. It's the same kind of hate that is involved in ethnic or religeous bigotry. Did it appear in any of the papers?

Damien

On 22/09/2013, at 2:05 PM, Independent Riders' Group wrote:

This is rather alarming . . . have put on IRG Northern Register Facebook and suggest you do the same Leah. That's all we need as riders; vigilantes trying to rid society of outlaw MC riders, but hitting on regular riders. Not good. Cate
http://www.vicpolicenews.com.au/news/1432-police-appeal-for-witnesses-after-acid-attack-on-south-gippsland-highway.html

Sunday 22 September 2013

ACID ATTACK!

In a cowardly and planned attack, a judas goat on a bike and some scumbags in a car stopped a 62 year old motorcyclist, knocked him down and squirted him with acid. The rider is in hospital. Police are looking for the car. Every rider in Gippsland should be looking for it too. If you see it get the rego and report it to police or crime stoppers. If you can get a photo even better. Do not approach, these nutters may be capable of anything.

Damien

http://www.vicpolicenews.com.au/news/1432-police-appeal-for-witnesses-after-acid-attack-on-south-gippsland-highway.html

Saturday 21 September 2013

GARAGE SALE.

I'M MOVING HOUSE.

OVER NEARLY 20 YEARS HERE I'VE ACCUMULATED A LOT OF BIKE RELATED STUFF.

IT INCLUDES:

VARIOUS PICTURE FRAMES

ELIZABETH STREET 2003 POSTERS

A 1987 TOY RUN POSTER (MOUNTED) FEATURING KEVIN MAGEE, WAYNE GARDNER AND DOC AS SANTA. $200.

A PAIR OF NEW, HAND MADE MEDAL BOOTS. NEVER WORN. ABOUT MEN'S SIZE 8.

BEER GLASSES & ASH TRAYS.

A "REPEAL THE 80K PILLION LAW" BACK PATCH FROM THE 1970s. I HAVE 2. I'M ONLY SELLING 1. $200.

GLOVES. ARMOURED. WORN ONCE.

MOTO GUZZI RACK BAG. LEATHER.

BIKE MAGS. LOTS. SOME OLD.PICTURE FRAMES ODDS & SODS 9 AM TO 5 PM NEXT SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 AND SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29.BBQ AVAILABLE. BYO.AT THE REAR OF 20 OLIVER ROAD, TEMPLESTOWE.
Damien 0419 846 855

TOY RUN REMINDERS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5izwlKVgj7I&feature=BFa&list=UU57ZgbBOo7YM6H58MtOIGbQ

For facebook pages & websites.

REMEMBER?
Remember when the Melbourne TOY RUN was huge. A parade of 10,000
plus bikes through the CBD. Remember filling semi-trailers with gifts
for needy kids? Remember the public bringing their kids to see the
bikes and cheering as we rolled by?

See links below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoJvui8viW4

http://www.facebook.com/steve.bardsley1?ref=name#!/events/468146693299823/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5izw1KVgj71&feature=BFa&list=UU57ZgbBOo7YM6H58MtOIGbQ

Monday 16 September 2013

TEMPORARY AUSTRALIANS

Series 2 Episode 4

Jonesy hits the road with 1500 riders in support of the Police Wall to Wall Ride. We meet Salty and find out the meaning of life, catch-up with Keith Williams about motorcycle television and we look at last year’s protest ride in Melbourne. We learn how to carry your surf board on your Harley and how some bikers have survived a tough roll of the dice. Jonesy runs into NSW State of Origin Captain Paul Gallen as he chooses his personal ride. We find out about Selena’s bike and what 1500 Police and supporters did in Canberra on the Wall to Wall last year.

Saturday 14 September 2013

THUNDER FOR CHARITY

Subject: You're invited to Melbourne 500 - Harley's Thunder Charity Ride 2013 (Nov 16, 2013)

Hello Jon,
You are invited to the following event:

Melbourne 500 - Harley's Thunder Charity Ride 2013

Event to be held at the following time, date, and location:

Saturday, November 16, 2013 from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM (EST)

Dandenong DriveIn
115 S Gippsland Hwy
Dandenong, VIC 3175
Australia

View Map

Attend Event

Share this event:

Nurlendi Panels is proud to present... The 2nd Annual Melbourne 500 Harley's Thunder Charity Fundraiser!! 500 Harley's. 500kms. 1 day. When: Saturday 16th November 2013 Where: Dandenong to Sale. Departing Dandenong at 8am. Cost: $35 per rider, $60 per rider & pillion Breakfast and event pack included - at Dandenong. Entertainment and lunch available - at Sale. Time: 6:30-7:30am -...

Share this event on Facebook and Twitter

We hope you can make it!

Cheers,
Bridge Builders

This invitation was sent to jonmay@iinet.net.au by Bridge Builders the organizer. To stop receiving invitations from this organizer, you can unsubscribe.
Eventbrite \| 651 Brannan St. Suite 110 \| San Francisco, CA 94107

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ARE YOU CHALLENGED?

Thought this was worth a look . . .

15 July 2013 - Take the test to avoid temptation TAC:

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has issued a challenge to Victorians to resist the temptation of using their phones while driving.

The challenge comes as the TAC campaign Blind comes back on to TV screens, billboards and online.

http://www.tac.vic.gov.au/about-the-tac/media-room/news-and-events/current-media-releases/take-the-test-to-avoid-temptation

TAC CEO Janet Dore said Blind was back on air in recognition of the community’s concern about the dangers of distractions such as texting while driving.

“The campaign is a strong reminder of the consequences of taking our eyes and our mind off the complex task of driving,” Ms Dore said.

“Taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds in a 50km/h zone, means you would travel 27 metres blind.

“I challenge all Victorians to put the phone in the back seat or even in the boot, where you won’t hear it and can’t use it while you drive.

“See if it makes a difference and whether you can influence your friends and family to do the same,” Ms Dore said.

Comprehensive studies in the United States have found that 80 per cent of collisions are caused by drivers who are not fully concentrating on driving.

The Virginia Tech naturalistic driving studies, found that dialing a mobile phone while driving made the risk of crash or near-crash event 2.8 times higher than non-distracted driving.

It also found that just reaching for an object can increase crash risk by 1.4 times. Read the full Virginia Tech study.

Ms Dore said technology was also available to help drivers resist temptation, such as the Road Mode app from VicRoads.

“This Android app lets others know that you prefer not to take calls or texts when driving,” Ms Dore said.

See how to download the Road Mode application.

For more information contact the TAC’s Emily Bogue on 0429 416 778.

Improving people’s understanding of the risks of distraction is a key action in the Victorian Government’s 10 year Road Safety Strategy. Find out more at Road Safety Victoria.

Watch the latest driver distractions ad, Blind.

Cate:-)

FIGHTING THE TAC TAX 2

On 28/07/2013, at 9:00 AM, Cate Hughes wrote:

I found this on a forum, and it seems to NOT be a widely known fact. Thinking if it's true, then we should be advising our riders? Cate:-)

Vic Roads rego , little hidden cost - 17/05/2013

I thought I'd post this as not a lot of people know about it. It only applies to people who have 2 or more registered motorcycles.

They don't tell you this, but I'm in the process of registering another bike with Vic roads and I knew that this applies. I asked the lady at Vic roads and she said no, but wasn't sure. She said she will find out and come back, which she did and said, yes I am correct!!!

So, years ago, the Govt. and VicRoads and TAC added an additional $50 on all VicRoads motorcycle registrations above 125 cc.You may recall the outcry, but like most Aussies, we whinge and complain and in the end, do SFA about it. We let it pass and put up with it .

What they don't tell you is that if you register another bike under your name, you don't have to pay the second TAC tax fee. It only applies to one bike. You could have 10 bikes, but only pay it once.

Lot of people don't know to ask for this. VicRoads wont apply the rule unless you demand it, so in the end, if you register 2 bikes, you will pay the extra fee(s) fee unknowingly.

So, if you do go in to register another bike, tell Vic roads you have your first bike registered and to waive the TAC tax of $50 they apply on all bikes over 125 cc.

(The tax was reviewed after the first year or two. The review did not involve real stakeholders. It was farce. The TAC tax not only stayed, it was indexed so it rose each year with the Victorian budget. In 2013 the TAC tax is well over $70 a year ..... and rising. Damien)

I would also be making sure if you are have another bike registered under your wife's name, or partner, to put it in your name as you are paying them that extra for no reason.

On 28/07/2013 11:21 AM, Damien Codognotto wrote:

G'day Cate.

My understanding, from memory, is that you only have to pay the TAC tax on bikes over a certain number of CC's and only on the first machine registered but most riders do not know this and getting a refund is very difficult.

Yes. the Independent Riders' Group (IRG) should publicise this to benefit riders by minimising the TAC/VicRoads rip off.

Anyone who has more detailed knowledge of the way the TAC tax is taken, please pass it on to Cate and Leah for the facebook pages.

As I remember it, the riders who conspired with the Bracks Government to slip in a discriminatory $50 a year TAC tax, with the state budget had not thought through the consequences. Consultation with stakeholders was all but non-existant.

The TAC tax was in line with departmental policies not to do anything to encourage t the use of motorcycles & scooters. Zealots at TAC/VicRoads/Police took that to mean discourage the use of motorcycles & scooters. This unfair tax was warmly welcomed by the buraucrats and the rider reps who supported it so they could have their own little budget to play with on government committees.

At the start, the TAC rip off was on ALL bikes over 125cc(?). This meant that people with more than one bike paid more. The well-heeled would pay more than low-income riders who could only afford 1 bike. Since many of the riders who made excuses for the TAC tax had multiple machines this would not do at all.

A review of the TAC tax was a sham. Consultation with stakeholders was confined to government picked reps.

I heard that behind closed doors negotiations led to TAC/VicRoads limiting the tax to the first bike only. TAC/VicRoads were not happy but they wanted to keep these particular rider reps on side so the change was allowed. Publicity was minimal. Around this time, perhaps 2005/6, the TAC tax was indexed so it was increased each year in the budget. It is now over $70 a year and rising.

You don't think the establishment would try to tax motorcycles & scooters off our roads?

You don't think some rider reps would sell out? Human nature. It's happened before. See the Bathurst blog.

Anyway the point is that the TAC tax was introduced because a couple of riders put their interests and pet theories ahead of what was wanted and/or needed by grass roots motorcycle and scooter riders. No consultation.

The only way to protect against this sort of undermining behaviour is "people power". We need more riders to join the IRG and we need more IRG members to go see their MPs and demand that Premier Napthine honour his promise and adopt the PIMSS recommendation to abolish the TAC tax (even if it is now taken for the first registered bike only.

www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members

Go see your MP!

You can join the Independent Riders' Group by emailiong us your name, post code and prefered email address. It's free. We reserve the right to refuse membership at any time

Damien Codognotto OAM

Spokesman

Independent Riders' Group

Melbourne

**************************************************************************
Phew . . . finally found it on VicRoads site . . .

The Motorcycle Safety Levy is an addition to the TAC premium included on registration renewals for motorcycles with a capacity of 126cc and over. Special purpose vehicles, recreation registered motorcycles, motorcycles used solely for primary production operations and veteran, vintage, or classic motorcycles with club permits are exempt.

Private motorcycle owners with more than one registered motorcycle only pay the Levy on one of their bikes.

Motorcycle Safety Levy and projects

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Moreinfoandservices/ArchivedPages/

Various other pages that may be of interest if we want to be further frustrated by the hollow words that never seem to translate into affirmative action . . . cynical, who me?!!

Victoria’s Road Safety and Transport Strategic Action Plan for Powered Two Wheelers 2009–2013:

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/C89EBE2B-7E5D-4099-9DDE-EC978C44DA44/0/WebPoweredTwoWheelersactionplanDecember2011.pdf

Victoria’s Road Safety & Transport Strategic Action Plan for Powered Two Wheelers 2009-2013 - VicRoads:

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Moreinfoandservices/Motorcycles/VictoriasRoadSafetyAndTransportStrategicActionPlanForPoweredTwoWheelers.html

Motorcycle Safety Levy - VicRoads:

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/SafetyAndRules/SaferRiders/Motorcyclists/MotorcycleSafetyLevy/

Motorcycle Safety Levy funded research and reports - VicRoads

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/SafetyAndRules/SaferRiders/Motorcyclists/MotorcycleSafetyLevy/Motorcycle+Safety+Levy+funded+research+and+reports.htm

Motorcycle Blackspot Program:

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/SafetyAndRules/SaferRoads/BuildingSaferRoads.htm

MUARC motorcycle study:

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Moreinfoandservices/Motorcycles/MUARCMotorcycleStudy/

Annual Report 2011-12 - Report on operations - Safety:

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/AboutVicRoads/AnnualReports/VicRoads20112012AnnualReport/201112AnnualReportSafety.htm

Thought this was worth a look . . .

15 July 2013 - Take the test to avoid temptation TAC:

http://www.tac.vic.gov.au/about-the-tac/media-room/news-and-events/current-media-releases/take-the-test-to-avoid-temptation

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has issued a challenge to Victorians to resist the temptation of using their phones while driving.

The challenge comes as the TAC campaign Blind comes back on to TV screens, billboards and online.

TAC CEO Janet Dore said Blind was back on air in recognition of the community’s concern about the dangers of distractions such as texting while driving.

“The campaign is a strong reminder of the consequences of taking our eyes and our mind off the complex task of driving,” Ms Dore said.

“Taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds in a 50km/h zone, means you would travel 27 metres blind.

“I challenge all Victorians to put the phone in the back seat or even in the boot, where you won’t hear it and can’t use it while you drive.

“See if it makes a difference and whether you can influence your friends and family to do the same,” Ms Dore said.

Comprehensive studies in the United States have found that 80 per cent of collisions are caused by drivers who are not fully concentrating on driving.

The Virginia Tech naturalistic driving studies, found that dialing a mobile phone while driving made the risk of crash or near-crash event 2.8 times higher than non-distracted driving.

It also found that just reaching for an object can increase crash risk by 1.4 times. Read the full Virginia Tech study.

Ms Dore said technology was also available to help drivers resist temptation, such as the Road Mode app from VicRoads.

“This Android app lets others know that you prefer not to take calls or texts when driving,” Ms Dore said.

See how to download the Road Mode application.

For more information contact the TAC’s Emily Bogue on 0429 416 778.

Improving people’s understanding of the risks of distraction is a key action in the Victorian Government’s 10 year Road Safety Strategy. Find out more at Road Safety Victoria.

Watch the latest driver distractions ad, Blind.

Cate:-)

FIGHTING THE TAC TAX 1

These posts are not necessarily in order but the show you some of the ways the Independent Riders' Group is fighting for a fair go for motorcycle & scooter riders.

Damien

IRG

*****************************************************

Hi Neal & Damien,

It's true.

I have been consulting with Federal Member for Wannon Mr Dan Tehan & the Office of the Premier Dennis Napthine via his diary manager Julie Reid.

It's a slow process, or so it seems, 8 weeks & no confirmed commitment to a date although our request is noted!

It's certainly the most important issue I see in Victorian Motorcycling. The "BRACKs TAX" is a most unfair burden on the Victorian Scooter & Motorcycle Rider. Remove it.

I have faith that "The diary team" (In Premier Napthine's office) will, in the near future, grant my request for a meeting.

Regards

Dale Robert Maggs

Mobile: 0432 776 458

@convictstock

Independent Riders Group

*********************************************************************************
On 14/09/2013, at 11:38 AM, damian Codognotto <d.codognotto.oam@bigpond.com> wrote:

NEAL BURGESS MP

HASTINGS, VICTORIA

Dear Neale,

The discriminatory TAC antimotorcycle tax is still in place in spite of the 2012 parliamentary inquiry into motorcycle & scooter safety recommending it be abolished. It is indexed so it is not over $70 a year on most bikes. Not only did the PIMS inquiry call for it to be abolished, Premier Napthine issued a media release while in opposition calling the tax discriminatory and promising to abolish if the Liberals won government.

The TAC tax was a road safety experiment by the Bracks Government aimed at improving road safety. It failed. Any minimal benefit achieved could, and should, have been, achieved by methods used for other transport types, NOT by a punitive tax. In fact the TAC tax discourages lower income earners from buying protective clothing and best equipment like tyres. If there is a benefit from the tax, it is cancelled by it's effect on riders with tight budgets.

The issue of the TAX was raised in the Legislative Assembly by Shadow Minister for TAC, Luke Donnellan on September 3, 2012. Dr Napthine was not present. Hardly anyone was. There has been no response from the Premier's office.

The Inependent Riders' Group's Dale Maggs has bee asking the Premier's office for months for a meeting to discuss the TAC tax. There always seems to be a delay. We still want the meeting.

Another TAC issue. We hear that of the 9 seats on the TAC Board, only 4 are occupied.

Traditionally the TAC Board has been an administrators' and financiers' club with little or no expertise in road safety or transport. TAC Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips wrote to us agreeing that to serve the Victorian road users who pay for the TAC, there should be a balance of skills on the TAC Board.

In the last year or so, there have been several, very well-qualified, applicants to the TAC Board with road safety and transport expertise. The state government has spent a lot of our money on a private company to make sure the TAC Board had the required numbers and balance of skills. It would seem Victorians' taxes and premiums have been wasted here too.

Please ask Premier Napthine why he won't meet with the Independent Riders' Group to discuss abolishing the TAC tax and the TAC Board.

Damien Codognotto OAM

Spokesman

Independent Riders' Group

Melbourne

Mobile: 0419 846 855

**********************************************************************

On 15/07/2013, at 6:09 PM, neale.burgess@parliament.vic.gov.au wrote:

Hi Damien

This is to acknowledge and thank you for your email below and to confirm that your concerns will be brought to Neale's attention as soon as he returns at the end of July - from the Study Tour - that he is currently attending on behalf of the Parliament.
Kind regards

Diana Hildebrand |Electorate Officer
Neale Burgess MP, Member for Hastings
6 Eramosa Road East, SOMERVILLE VIC 3912
T (03) 5977 5600 | F (03) 5977 7263
Email: diana.hildebrand@parliament.vic.gov.au

From: DAMIEN CODOGNOTTO OAM <d.codognotto.oam@bigpond.com>
To: neale.burgess@parliament.vic.gov.au
Date: 12/07/2013 10:07 AM
Subject: NAPTHINE'S PROMISE

**************************************************************************

The Hon Neale Burgess MP Member for Hastings G'day Neale. It would be very much appreciated if you would get us some information on when Premier Napthine will keep his promise and adopt PIMS recommendation number 25 and ABOLISH THE DISCRIMINATORY TAC TAX. See attached. Damien Codognotto OAM Spokesman Independent Riders' Group

******************************************************

Thanks Damien,

I will see what I can find out.

Best regards - Neale

Neale Burgess MP
Member for Hastings

Chairman: Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee
6 Eramosa Road East
SOMERVILLE VIC 3912
Ph: 03 5977 5600
Fx: 03 5977 7263
Em: neale.burgess@parliament.vic.gov.au
Web: www.nealeburgess.com.au

MORE HIRSTY

ON RIDE THIS TUESDAY NIGHT FROM 7PM

We catch up with Steve Andrews of Black Dog Ride fame and find out how the Red Centre received their annual ride
Paul Riley from Skill Master Motorcycle Services joins us in the studio to discuss recent research into drivers' blind spots, the upcoming Breakfast Torque at Loftus Oval in Sydney and his first experience of the Black Dog Ride
We review the ABC story on the Tattoo legislation in NSW that appeared on 7.30 last Wednesday night
We discuss Episode 4 of Series 2 of Temporary Australians that will air on Saturday Sept 21
And we find out how the Wall to Wall Ride in Canberra this weekend
Plus we pay tribute to Alive's Station Manager Jeff Ruitenbach who sadly passed away this week

So don't forget to tune in 7pm - 9pm Sydney time on Alive 90.5 FM or listen online on the Alive website and smart phone.

Ride is proudly sponsored by:

Fraser Motorcycles: check out their stores in Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, Melbourne and Perth.

Monday 9 September 2013

GREG ON THE BOX

Series 2 Episode 3 is Saturday Setember 14 at 2pm on ONE

Series 2 Episode 3

Beno from Hunter Motorcycles takes us on a ride just outside Perth.

We find out how Pooh got his nickname, and don’t his mates love it!

Jonesy visits a motorcycle clubhouse and gets a lesson in playing pool.

We check out a real bikers garage in SA and some bikers views of Aussie humour.

Jonesy catches up with some famous motorcycling faces including the Big Kahuna at Victory Motorcycles.

Retired NRL star Nathan Hindmarsh plus gives us a look at another sled we should have in our shed.

We go on a demo ride through the streets of Perth.

Saturday Setember 16 at 2pm on ONE

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GREG'S RADIO PROGRAM

ON RIDE THIS TUESDAY NIGHT FROM 7PM

We look forward to October and the Australian Moto GP.

We highlight details from the Barry Sheene Ride.

We update any news on the ABC story on the Tattoo legislation in NSW.

We discuss Episode 3 of Series 2 of Temporary Australians that will air on Saturday Sept 16

And we ask can the general media report on motorcycle club gatherings without reverting to the use of negative stereotypes.

So don't forget to tune in 7pm - 9pm Sydney time on Alive 90.5 FM or listen online on the Alive website and smart phone.

Ride is proudly sponsored by:

Fraser Motorcycles: check out their stores in Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, Melbourne and Perth.

Sunday 8 September 2013

TEMPORARY AUSTRALIANS & PROUD OF IT!

Series 2 and Series 1 Repeats

If you missed watching episodes of Temporary Australians Series 2 then don’t fear!

Temporary Australians Episodes are being repeated on Thursday early morning at 1.30am on ONE.

Community Television around Australia is repeating the Series 1 at various times.

So keep an eye on your local station website to find out when they are airing it.

Thursday 5 September 2013

MORE BLOODY FRONT ID

story-fni0fee2-1226711258348

http://tools.geelongadvertiser.com.au/stories/55122487.php

Vic motorcyclists escaping fines:

REPORT

5 September 2013 Melissa Iaria

THOUSANDS of Victorian motorcyclists are escaping speeding fines because they lack front identification, according to a report by the road camera watchdog.

Road Safety Camera Commissioner Gordon Lewis says it is intolerable so many motorcyclists are

getting away with speeding.

He has called for steps be taken immediately to ensure motorcycles and motor scooters have front

identification, in his 2012/13 annual report tabled in state parliament on Thursday.

Mr Lewis made the recommendation last year and says he is surprised it has still not been adopted.

"I am satisfied that the case for identification of motorcycles is inarguable," he says.

Between the 2009/10 and 2011/12 financial years, about 20,000 of 50,000 motorcyclists found speeding

couldn't be identified because they had no frontal identification, the report says.

"That situation cannot be tolerated," Mr Lewis said.

Mr Lewis also recommends that road safety camera images of allegedly speeding motorists be made free to motorists.

At the moment motorists must pay $7.50 to see images of alleged offences.

Mr Lewis says providing the images for free makes the system fairer and more transparent for motorists.

Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews says both Labor and the coalition pledged in 2010 to remove the fee

motorists pay for road camera images but the Napthine government has failed to act.

"Three years on, the traffic camera commissioner Gordon Lewis is still calling for the government to do

what they said to do three long years ago," he said.

Police Minister Kim Wells says the report showed the state's speed camera system to be excellent and

he will consider all recommendations.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/09/05/13/41/vic-motorcyclists-escaping-fines-report

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
THE GEELONG ADVERTISER

Road Safety Camera Commissioner Gordon Lewis must hold the Victorian all-party Road Safety Committee in utter contempt. His call for front ID on motorcycles & scooters contradicts the results the RSC's thorough study of the front ID issue.

The RSC made 64 recommendations related to motorcycles & scooters in 2012 and not one of them says put front number plates or electronic tags on bikes.

Mr Lewis is clearly ignorant of world's best practice in this regard. No manufacturer in the world designs motorbikes to display a front plate because they are dangerous in several, well-documented ways.

Mandatory transponders or tags as front ID to collect fines and tolls and track vehicles forced on one type of road user would be a gross invasion of privacy and discriminatory. Made compulsory for all road users tags would be big brother gone mad.

The Independent Riders' Group strongly opposes the introduction of compulsory front ID for motorcycles & scooters and suggests Mr Lewis read the RSC's 2012 report on motorcycle & scooter safety.

www.parliament.vic.gov.au/rsc/inquiries/article/1409

Damien Codognotto OAM
Independent Riders' Group

Take this information to your local MP and let them know, in no uncertain terms that riders more than pay their way on our roads and that we are sick and tired of this continuing discrimination.

WE RIDE. WE PAY. WE VOTE.

www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members
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