Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

I hear 'hear, hear' from the Leader of the Opposition, and I know how invested he is in road safety measures too. I know we have been as one on the Princes Highway and other important work that we are doing. Too many families have been touched by losing a family member, a loved one, a colleague or a friend.

In this year's budget, I know the government was very, very pleased to announce $2 billion in road safety upgrades. That's $2,000 million that is going to go to important work in improving road safety measures for regional areas. This will include works such as shoulder sealing, rumble strips and physical barriers which can prevent vehicles from detouring off and prevent head-on collisions and the like. In urban areas, works will focus on separating vulnerable users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, from vehicular traffic. President of the Australian Local Government Association, David O'Loughlin said, 'We congratulate the federal government on having a clear focus on road safety, especially for our extensive rural and regional network, which will make a real difference in so many ways.'

The additional funding builds upon our $500 million targeted road safety program which is rolling out now. There is $2 billion split over three tranches, making sure that the money is going to be spent as a 'use it or lose it' system. We want the states and territories to get on with shovel-ready projects that are going to improve road safety outcomes for all Australians, whether they live in regional areas or metropolitan cities. We will continue to invest in road safety to align with and to support states and territories in working towards Vision Zero. I know that Michael Bradley, Managing Director of the Australian Automobile Association, also welcomed the budget spending brought down by the Treasurer. He said:

The federal government is to be congratulated on responding to Australia's road trauma figures in a way that will also drive regional economic stimulus and jobs growth.

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