Now they hope their local connection to the new Roads Minister, Illawarra MP David Campbell, may finally lead to a result.

Noel and Danielle Broadhead have been fighting for tougher child restraint laws since their daughter Isabelle, 3, died from seatbelt injuries sustained in a low-speed car accident in 2006.

In 2007 the National Transport Commission released new guidelines that require children aged up to seven to use Australian Safety Standard-approved restraints or capsules, with the type depending on their age and size.

The Medical Journal of Australia had found that premature graduation of children into adult seat belts greatly increased the risk of injury or death.

The Queensland, Western Australian and Victorian governments have announced they will apply the laws within months.

But Mr Broadhead says the NSW Government has been "dragging the chain" on the new guidelines.

He said outgoing roads minister Michael Daley told him in March the announcement of changes in NSW was "imminent".

This week Mr Daley told a budget estimates hearing the plans were "well advanced" but would not give an introduction time.

"I am not sure that I would agree that I told them those changes were imminent," he replied to questioning by Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon.

"I cannot advise you now - given that I have two hours and 15 minutes left, or thereabouts, as the Minister for Roads - as to when that will occur," he added.

Ms Rhiannon said yesterday she was surprised - given the progress made in other states and what the Broadhead family had told her - that Mr Daley "was so adamant (law changes) weren't imminent".

Mr Broadhead said the law changes might be a good positive first step for the new minister.

"We are optimistic, hopeful," he said.

"David Campbell has done a bit for the Illawarra and hopefully this could be the next positive thing."

A spokesman for Mr Campbell, who took over only this week, said he was aware of the issue but would be seeking more information before commenting publicly.

Mr Broadhead has already sought a meeting.