Reducing deaths on Australia's roads

Australians are being encouraged to have their say about improving the road transport industry to reduce deaths and improve safety.

The consultation time for submissions to the Government’s “Safe Rates, Safe Roads” Discussion Paper has been extended to February 11.

“About 330 people are killed on Australian roads in heavy vehicle accidents each year,” Parliamentary Secretary for School Education and Workplace Relations Senator Collins said today.

“There is clear evidence linking pay rates for truck drivers to safety on our roads.

“We have to deal with the problems of speed and fatigue in the road transport industry and remove economic incentives for drivers to engage in unsafe work practices.

“The discussion paper details a number of practical strategies for a national approach to truck drivers’ pay, conditions and safety.

“It recommends that a specialist body be created to determine safe pay rates and conditions.

“Feedback on the discussion paper will help the Government decide how best to tackle this important national issue.”

The consultation period has been extended following recent floods in the eastern states and a busy period for the road transport industry.

Received submissions can be viewed at http://www.deewr.gov.au/WorkplaceRelations/Policies/SafeRatesSafeRoads/Pages/FeedbackReceived.aspx

Discussion paper: www.deewr.gov.au/saferatessaferoads