There are fresh calls for tougher penalties for repeat drink drivers after the release of figures.

They reveal more than 2700 drink drivers have been caught three or more times in the past 10 years.

The statistics also reveal a hard-core group of 42 motorists have been caught six times, and another 16 have been over the limit seven times or more.

Road safety experts suggest repeat offenders should face harsher penalties to be enforced to the full extent by the courts.

The state government says its introduced very tough drink-driving penalties and its road-safety message "is getting through".