The Nationals Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, brought urgent attention to the escalating road safety crisis in Victoria, raising a Constituency Question recently in Parliament.
Addressing the Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne, Ms O’Keeffe highlighted the dire statistics of road fatalities within the state, seeking action to combat the increasing death toll on Victorian roads.
“As of 12 December 2023, 299 lives were lost on Victoria’s roads, a 24 per cent increase from the previous year and the highest death toll in 15 years. Significantly, 174 of these tragic incidents occurred on regional roads, underscoring the disproportionate risk faced by our regional and rural communities,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
Ms O’Keeffe also addressed the substantial cuts to road safety programs, noting the adverse impact on the safety and condition of Victoria’s road network.
“In the past two years, the Labor government has cut a staggering $230 million from road safety programs. This includes a $150 million reduction in the TAC-funded safer system roads and infrastructure program, alongside an $81 million shortfall in the TAC marketing and road safety budget over the past two financial years,” she said.
Ms O’Keeffe further highlighted a concerning 45% reduction in the road maintenance budget since 2020, leading to deteriorating road conditions across the state.
“The result of these cuts is evident on our roads, with an increase in unsafe conditions, potholes, and substandard road repairs posing a risk to every Victorian driver,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“Recently, a constituent, a victim of our crumbling road infrastructure, reached out to me regarding his vehicle damage costing $980, $600 below the $1580 for damage claims. The cost of the damage is almost equivalent to an entire fortnight of this man’s income. Without reimbursement, he is struggling to manage basic needs.
“People who experience vehicle damage due to the condition of the roads, which is no fault of their own, should all be compensated regardless of the cost of the damage.”
“This highlights the situation many Victorians find themselves in, forced to bear the financial burden of essential car repairs on top of already stretched budgets.
Drawing attention to a recent roundtable discussion with Road Safe Goulburn Valley, the Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety Danny O’Brien, and the Nationals Member for Euroa Anabelle Cleeland, Ms O’Keeffe shared the collective concerns regarding the spike in road fatalities.
“It is clear that we are facing a critical safety crisis on our roads. Immediate action is necessary to reverse this distressing trend,” she said.
“The lives of our community members are at stake. We must see a comprehensive and effective strategy to improve road safety across the state, ensuring the well-being of every Victorian family.”