Sharman Stone MP

Call for laws to protect against carbon monoxide gas poisoning

August 22, 2011

The Adviser Monday, August 22, 2011

Call for laws to protect against carbon monoxide gas poisoning

By Nadia McManus
 

AFTER the tragic deaths of Mooroopna bothers, Chase and Tyler Robinson last year, new calls have been raised to introduce legislation to improve detection, safety and awareness about carbon monoxide gas poisoning.

Chase, 9 and Tyler, 7 were killed by the tasteless and odourless gas leaking from a faulty wall heater in their rented Mooroopna home in May.

Federal Member for Murray, Dr Sharman Stone last week presented a Private Members Motion in Parliament for  legislation that requires all homes to be fitted with carbon monoxide detectors, and for rental properties to have all gas appliances and fittings inspected on a biannual basis. The motion also called for a national safety awareness campaign.

Dr Stone said her silent partner in debating the motion was the boys’ mother, Vanessa Robinson, who is determined to see that their deaths were not in vain.

“Detectors can cost as little as $40 but we have no Australian Standards agreed for these detectors,” Dr Stone explained.

“One of the biggest problems is that symptoms of carbon monoxide are often difficult to detect. Symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath, headaches, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. People often do not know there is a leak until it is too late.”
Four speakers supported Dr Stone’s motion which was debated and supported on a bi-partisan basis.

“There was agreement from both sides of Government today, that members of Parliament should do all they can to ensure tragedies like the deaths of Tyler and Chase Robinson never happen again,” Dr Stone said.

“This same process has happened before successfully with smoke alarms, and the United Kingdom has similar legislation currently in place. We need to urgently introduce this same legislation in Australia.”

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