Federal election 2016: Bishop could get off scot free for using phone while driving

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Federal election 2016: Bishop could get off scot free for using phone while driving

By Brendan Foster and Heath Aston
Updated

Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop could get off scot free for using her mobile phone while driving in Perth on Thursday, after the WA police said they needed a member of the public to make a complaint before investigating.

A witness took photos of Ms Bishop using her phone while driving along Great Eastern Highway in Perth just past the Burswood Casino at 4.50pm on Thursday.

Julie Bishop caught driving on phone

Julie Bishop caught driving on phone

The fine for using a phone while driving attracts a $400 fine and three demerit points.

But Ms Bishop may never have to pay any fine.

A WA police spokeswoman told WAtoday: "Should police receive a formal complaint from a member of the public, that complaint will be investigated."

To report a crime in WA call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website on www.crimestopperswa.com.au.

The witness told Fairfax Media Mr Bishop was on her phone for about two minutes while driving through slow-moving traffic.

"I thought it was funny to see a Toyota Yaris with Julie Bishop's face on the side. Then it was even funnier when I realised it was actually Julie Bishop driving the Julie Bishop car," he said.

"Then it wasn't so funny when I realised she was using her phone as she drove. It was clear that she was holding the phone and using her thumb to swipe. I don't know if she was texting or checking Facebook or something."

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In a statement issued early on Friday, Ms Bishop conceded she had done the wrong thing.

"Everyone should comply with the law and I will ensure this does not happen again," she said.

Ms Bishop's lapse comes six months after Labor leader Bill Shorten was fined $443 by Victorian Police for texting as he drove his four-wheel-drive along Kings Way in Melbourne.

In that case, Mr Shorten contacted police once images of him using his phone hit the media, later saying: "There's no excuse for it. I shouldn't have done it and won't do it again."

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