One year on from the Cook Labor Government’s Road Safety Round Table, Nationals MLC and Shadow Minister for Road Safety Julie Freeman has called out the Government’s failure to address Western Australia’s rising road toll.
“Today marks twelve months since the Round Table, yet more Western Australians have lost their lives on our roads than at the same time last year,” Ms Freeman said.
“The Cook Labor Government promised collaboration and progress, but the reality is we are worse off. It has proved to be nothing more than a talkfest.”
In the 2025–26 State Budget, the Cook Government cut road safety funding to just a third of what was spent in the previous year — a decision Ms Freeman says puts lives at risk.
“The numbers don’t lie. Road safety has taken a back seat under this Government, and Western Australians are paying the ultimate price.”
The Nationals WA are calling for an immediate, whole-of-community approach to tackle this growing crisis on our roads.
“We need to see a stronger and more visible police presence on our roads — targeting speeding, driving while using a mobile phone, and other reckless behaviours.
“The biggest deterrent is getting caught, and right now too many drivers think they can take the risk and get away with it.”
Ms Freeman is also calling for investment in impactful education campaigns that change driver behaviour.
“We rarely see the kind of confronting ads that stop you in your tracks — the ones that are uncomfortable to watch, but impossible to ignore.”
“And importantly, we need to listen to our communities. What works in the city might not work in the bush. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it. Regional and metro areas face different challenges, and our response must reflect that.”
“Enough is enough. This is not the time for more roundtables or reviews — it’s time for action. The Cook Labor Government must urgently reprioritise road safety before more lives are lost.”
