The Labor Government's knee-jerk dismissal of the Liberals' proposal to link responsible school behaviour to responsible driving behaviour is true to form - if it's not their own idea, they oppose it.

It is typical of this stale, out-of-touch, out-of-ideas government that is taking our state in the wrong direction.

One minute, they are asking for new ideas to tackle the road toll.

The next, they are rejecting them - simply because they were proposed by their political opponents.

The Liberals make no apologies for embracing new and visionary ideas to tackle road safety. We have done this for years, while Labor does nothing but take pot-shots from the sidelines.

Labor continues to reject our plans for a four lane Midland Highway, for double demerit points on long weekends and public holidays, for vehicle confiscations of repeat drink drivers, for compulsory driver education for those who lose their licences.

It was only after considerable pressure that the Labor Government adopted our policy for drug testing of drivers and high visibility patrol cars.

The government's record of achievement in road safety is such that more than two years after announcing it, a review of speeding penalties is still under way.

Tasmanians want leadership and vision to tackle our appalling road toll and Labor is incapable of delivering it.

Our plan for learner drivers is but one of a suite of policies designed to tackle the road toll. It will engender in the next generation of drivers a culture that driving is a privilege, not a right. It will also give students an incentive to behave in school.

Any student wanting a learner permit before he or she turns 18 will have to complete a driver education course at school; and they will have to show a satisfactory attendance record and that they have behaved responsibly at school.

If they can't do that, they won't be able to apply for a learner permit until after they turn 18 - or after they have earned back the privilege through better behaviour. That's a key point - there will be a way back for a student who plays truant or misbehaves, but they will have to earn that privilege.

Other road safety initiatives we will continue to champion to tackle our appalling road toll include: " Divert speed camera revenue into road safety " Implement compulsory driver education for drivers who lose their licences " Provide incentives for learner drivers who undertake professional driver training " Install permanent speed cameras at identified traffic black spot sites " Establish a dedicated Road Safety Authority " Provide a more visible traffic police presence " Implement double demerit points on public holidays and long weekends " Confiscate the cars of hoons and serious repeat traffic offenders