It was a fun day out for thrillseekers that turned to tragedy.
And now the deaths of four people last year at Dreamworld, on Queensland's Gold Coast, has led the state government to propose tighter regulation of theme parks and amusement rides.
A review of the state's workplace health-and-safety laws has likened theme parks to what it calls "major hazard facilities."
The state's minister for employment and industrial relations, Grace Grace, says it found there was no requirement for regular inspection of rides nor that operators be licensed.
"I mean, it's crazy that we have forklift drivers that need to be licensed to operate a forklift but you have a major stationary amusement ride that can be operated by anyone. We are going to re-look at that. One death in a workplace or one death of a public member is not acceptable under any circumstances."
Business at Dreamworld and other theme parks is still recovering from last year's tragedy.
The new measures are designed to boost confidence in the industry's safety with what is termed a "big stick" approach.
The chief executive of Queensland's Tourism Industry Council, Daniel Geschwind, has welcomed tighter regulations.
"Consumers have been affected by this, and we need to restore that confidence. We need to reassure people that they are looked after very well, to the highest standards, and everything is being done to make sure that the experience is fun and safe."
Forty workplace deaths in Queensland last year prompted the health and safety review, which has delivered 58 recommendations.
And Grace Grace has promised to act.
"We will be introducing, for the first time, the first state in Australia to introduce, industrial manslaughter. This will be industrial manslaughter under the Workplace Health and Safety Act. It will have an imprisonment term of up to 20 years and a corporation fine of up to $10 million. It will have an independent (occupational) health-and-safety prosecutional section."
Queensland's proposed laws will be similar to those in the Australian Capital Territory targeting company directors and corporations.
The general secretary of the Queensland Council of Unions, Jan McLellan, says the crackdown is much-needed.
"Ten million dollars in fines for a company. And that will make companies and bosses sit up and take notice, because families will never get their loved ones back if a boss's negligence causes a workplace death but this will certainly create a deterrent and a disincentive to cut corners on safety."
Police are still investigating the Dreamworld tragedy.
SBS contacted the theme park's management for comment but has received no response.
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