Congratulations to both Pat Conaghan and David Gillespie on their election victories on the weekend. I know Pat will be an outstanding Member for Cowper and I look forward to working closely with him in the years ahead, as I have with the Member for Lyne David Gillespie, to continue to deliver for our communities.

Immediate loss of licence for all drink drivers

All drink-driving offenders can now immediately lose their licence under tough new penalties announced by the NSW government.

From this Monday, May 20, drink drivers who are first-time, lower range offenders will receive an immediate three month licence suspension and fine of $561. This means anyone caught drink-driving in NSW, at any level, including low range, can now lose their licence immediately.

This reform makes it clear if you break the law, you will pay the price. We are taking a zero tolerance approach to drink and drug driving. Offenders who drive with the presence of illicit drugs for the first time will receive a $561 fine and a three month licence suspension if the offence is confirmed by laboratory analysis.

Health of truck drivers

The health and safety of truck drivers is at the centre of a breakthrough research project that recently won a $609,000 National Health and Medical Research Council grant. The NSW government's Centre for Work Health and Safety has joined forces with Monash University, Linfox and the Transport Workers Union to deliver the Driving Health project.

This NHMRC grant means the centre can work with the research partners to interview drivers, their employers and contractors, and family members, to help develop interventions to improve the physical and mental health of truck drivers.

For information visit the Centre for Work Health and Safety's website at centreforwhs.nsw.gov.au. To see reports from the Driving Health study, or register your interest, visit the study website: drivinghealth.net