Dear supporters,

Out of respect and privacy for recent victims around the country, I have submitted a request to withdraw this petition. For those who have supported this petition, thank you. The advocacy can continue but victim’s family is the priority right now. In the meantime, please stay safe on our roads and streets (and private property or farm). Michael Ee

In 2025, Safe Work Australia recorded 9 deaths in the country. Year to date on 26 March 2026, there were 7 quad bike fatalities according to Safe Work Australia webpage. Together with 2 additional tragic deaths (70yo grandfather and 7yo boy) in Queensland on 31 March 2026, the total number in the first 3 months of this year is matching 2025 already. The loss of their lives is absolutely tragic, heart wrenching and utterly disappointing because we all could have done more to stop this carnage previously.

Quad bikes are powerful machines that require significant skill and maturity to operate safely.  Statistics from the National Coronial Information System in Australia indicate that a large proportion of quad bikes-related fatalities involve children under the age of 16. Safe Work Australia webpage also highlighted all the recommendations from multiple coronial inquest recommendations and research for all to read on https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/quadwatch/quad-bike-safety-inquest-recommendations-and-research Missing in the list of coronial inquests is the one done in Tasmania by Coroner Simon Cooper in 2017 and 2022 and again investigation of death but without inquest in 2025! Please search separately as he has conducted inquest after inquest on quad bike deaths in Tasmania with no lessons learnt. These young riders often lack the cognitive abilities, decision-making skills, and physical strength to safely manage these vehicles, particularly on unpredictable terrains. They are inherently unstable and cannot operate safely in all terrains which is why ATV (all-terrain vehicles) is a misnomer.

Currently, there are no national and consistent states / territories laws in Australia prohibiting children under 16 from riding or even owning quad bikes. The existing guidelines are insufficient, leaving it to parents' discretion, which can unfortunately lead to tragedies as described above. Government intervention is crucial to prevent the loss of more young lives. Quoting Andrew Wilkie, Clarke Independent MP who spoke about this issue in parliament on 31 July 2019, relevant is the US state of Massachusetts, where they banned children under 13 from riding quad bikes and required 14- to 17-year-olds to be supervised by an adult. The result? Emergency department presentations decreased by as much as 50 per cent for some age groups. https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=chamber/hansardr/c53753a5-4ecd-4871-a577-d7549f791ed2/&sid=0077. In the years following the 2010 ban, the state saw a significant decline in child injuries and deaths, with reports indicating no child under 14 had died in a quad bike accident in the five years following the implementation and has continued to be successful to stop the carnage.

By banning children under 16 from riding quad bikes, we will significantly reduce the risk of fatal accidents and serious injuries in our country. The regulation should include comprehensive safety education programs for those above 16, ensuring they are properly trained and equipped before they ride these vehicles. Additionally, manufacturers and retail outlets should be required to adhere to stricter safety standards, including explicit warning labels about the dangers these vehicles pose to younger riders.

We urge the Australian government to take immediate action to implement these changes and protect our children from further harm. Every preventable traumatic death is one too many, and it's time to put an end to the senseless loss of young lives due to quad bike crashes.

Please sign this petition to demand a ban (nothing less) on quad bike use for children under 16 in Australia. Together, we can advocate for safer recreational and farming activities plus help save lives.