Teenage support in Labor campaign

The Labor Party is using a Booker Bay teenager in support of its Gosford election campaign.

Student Renee Gardner, 16, is supporting the party's decision to reduce the mandatory 120 logbook hours of driving for learners, according to Labor candidate for Gosford Ms Katie Smith.

"No one has the time to do 120 hours," said Ms Gardner.

"My parents don't either.

"Having some extra professional lessons and needing to do less hours will make a big difference," she said.

According to Ms Smith, Labor is committed to providing $4.8 million for lessons, access to cars and supervisors to help disadvantaged young people learn to drive, if re-elected in March.

The "reform package" will include a reduction of hours from 120 to 100, a further 20-hour discount for those who get 10 hours of professional instruction, $3.6 million of funding to provide 10 free lessons to 6000 disadvantaged learners and $1.2 million to make supervisors available.

"Providing free and professional help and reducing the hours will make it easier on families and ensure learners know how to drive safely," said Ms Smith.

"Getting a driver's license is a big part of many people's lives.

"But the reality is that learning how to drive can be a big burden on families," she said.

Media Release, 14 Feb 2011 Katie Smith, Labor