Queensland senator calls for tougher penalties and an independent ombudsman to help consumers resolve quality issues

In possibly the most bizarre election stunt so far, Senator Glenn Lazarus has used an army tank, two sledgehammers and some pavers to destroy a car.



In a scene fit for a demolition derby, the independent Queensland senator tanked the five-seater Dodge Journey to draw attention to his proposal to introduce “lemon laws” to protect Australians from dud imports.

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The senator and former rugby league star known as the “Brick with Eyes”, shattered the windscreen with the sledgehammer, which turned out to be a lemon itself and broke on the first hit.

A second sledgehammer and some pavers were found and other members of the crowd joined in the demolition as people in lemon costumes looked on.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Glen Lazarus drives a tank over a car to highlight the problem of poor quality vehicle imports.

“I’m going to cause some damage, I guarantee you,” Lazarus said.



The final blow was dealt when an army tank rolled over the top of the car.

“Yewwwwwwwww, goodbye car,” Lazarus whooped.

Lazarus is proposing tougher penalties and the establishment of an independent ombudsman to help Australians who buy new cars that turn out to be poor quality.

“According to [consumer group] Choice, 75% of new car buyers experience some major issue with their cars in the first five years and of that 15% don’t get their issues resolved, which I think is poor form from the manufacturers.”