Improving safety on Australia’s roads

The Australian Government’s Safe Rates Advisory Group met today to help the Government finalise its response to a review into safety in the road transport industry.

Parliamentary Secretary for Workplace Relations, Senator Jacinta Collins, said the group would advise on the response to the National Transport Commission’s review into payment methods and safety in the sector, as well as the Safe Rates, Safe Roads Directions Paper.

Senator Collins said the Government wants fairness for employees and owner drivers, while sustaining the long term viability of the transport industry.

“More than 250 people are killed and over 1000 people suffer serious injuries each year on Australian roads in accidents involving trucks,” she said.

“Australian truck drivers work hard to make a living and we want to support measures that ensure pay and related conditions encourage drivers to drive safely, manage their hours and maintain their vehicles.  That benefits everyone.”

The total cost of heavy vehicle related accidents involving fatalities or serious injuries in 2010 was $2.7 billion and the Government is committed to developing practical strategies to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads.

The Advisory Group was established in 2009 and the Australian Livestock Transporters Association has joined the group to have broader industry representation.