More car trouble for multitasking Shorten
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has been caught on camera using his mobile phone while driving.
The footage obtained by the Herald Sun follows a November incident when Mr Shorten crashed his late mother’s car into two parked cars in Carlton, after reportedly spilling coffee.
Cabinet Minister Christopher Pyne told the Nine Network Shorten should keep “both hands on the wheel at all times and he won’t get in trouble”.
Pyne said it was illegal to use a phone and drive.
“That is why my wife does the driving so I can be on my phone if I need to deal with my emails and things,” he said.
Shorten said it’s possible he was texting and he won’t do it again.
“Like most drivers, I always try to do the right thing,” Shorten told the Herald Sun.
“But there’s no doubt that using your phone while driving is the wrong thing to do, there’s no excuse for it.”
The penalty for the illegal use of a mobile phone while driving in Victoria is a $443 fine and four demerit points.
The person who filmed Shorten was also driving at the time.
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It’s believed the incident happened in August after Shorten dropped his children off at music classes on a Sunday.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says Shorten has put his hand up and said he shouldn’t have been on his phone behind the wheel.
“He did the wrong thing and he’s committed to not do it again. I don’t think you can ask much more than that,” he told ABC TV.
Andrews said it was a matter for Victoria Police whether they pursue the matter and it’s not his job to direct them.
– AAP
