In 2024, we should be well past the point where the lives of Western Australians are
being lost at such an alarming rate on our roads.
Yet here we are, with a road toll climbing towards one of the worst on record, and still
no meaningful action from the Cook Labor Government.
Just last week, we saw the tragic death of a 17-year-old boy on Tonkin Highway.
And then on Sunday, a truck and 4WD collided in the Mid West causing the death of a
man and seriously injuring a teenage girl.
As at the time of writing this, 132 lives have been lost on WA roads this year – each one a
tragedy that leaves a community shattered and broken.
In response to WA’s alarming road toll, the Government called a Road Safety Summit
last month.
The Summit – which was meant to be a critical turning point in addressing the rising
road toll – proved to be nothing more than a “talkfest”.
It failed to outline any substantial actions to improve safety on our roads and produced
only a meagre $32.5 million commitment spread over four years.
For a state grappling with a crisis of this magnitude, this response is not only
inadequate, it’s disgraceful.
Roger Cook’s comments in Parliament reinforces the Government’s lack of urgency.
The Opposition has repeatedly asked questions on what they are doing to address this
crisis.
And instead of announcing substantial measures, time and time again the Premier
chooses to rest on Labor’s previous commitments – commitments that have clearly
failed to stem the rising tide of fatalities.
Western Australians deserve more than empty rhetoric. We need swift, decisive action.
60 per cent of fatalities occur on regional roads, despite only having 20 per cent of the
population.
A disproportionately high figure which is stark evidence of how unsafe our regional
roads are.
The WA Police Regional Enforcement Unit plays a vital role in patrolling and enforcing
road safety across the state, particularly in regional areas.
Yet the Cook Government has repeatedly refused to disclose the staffing levels of this
crucial unit, citing operational sensitivity.
In 2018 and 2020, this information was freely shared with Parliament. Why the secrecy
now?
Western Australians have a right to know how well – or poorly – resourced their regional
police units are.
But the lack of transparency doesn’t stop there.
At the Road Safety Summit, key stakeholders were notably absent.
Despite playing a frontline role in responding to road trauma incidents, the Department
of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) were not invited to the table.
It’s a baffling omission.
How can you claim to be addressing road safety without the input of those who deal
with its tragic consequences every day?
Equally concerning is the Government’s failure to address the need for expanding WA’s
rescue helicopter network.
These helicopters provide a critical, lifesaving service in emergency situations, and
particularly in regional areas where being able to access a patient within “the golden
hour” is vital to saving their life.
The fact that the Government didn’t even consider this at the Summit speaks volumes
their understanding of what’s truly needed, and the value they place on the lives of
regional West Australians.
The numbers don’t lie – emergency responders and experts alike know that road
fatalities are increasing at a worrying rate.
Yet the Cook Government seems content to stand by and do nothing of substance.
Where is the urgency to implement tangible, life-saving measures?
For a Government which regularly promises to do ‘what’s best’ for Western Australians,
they are noticeably short on meaningful solutions.
There are solutions available.
The Nationals WA have long advocated for practical measures to improve road safety,
including improving road infrastructure, increasing police resources, and enhancing
public education.
But The Nationals also know that the key to success lies in collaboration.
One of the greatest disappointments of this entire process is the Government’s refusal
to work across the aisle.
Road safety affects every single person in this state.
When the Opposition offered to take a bipartisan approach to addressing the road toll,
the Cook Government flatly rejected the offer.
This is a government more interested in maintaining political control than in saving
lives.
The ongoing road fatalities should be a wake-up call to the Government: they must take
immediate and decisive action to improve road safety in WA.
This includes fully resourcing our police, expanding rescue services, and making sure
all relevant agencies are part of the conversation.
It is their duty and responsibility to the people of Western Australia.
At the end of the day, we’re not just talking about numbers on a page.
These are real people – brothers, mothers, cousins, work colleagues, neighbours,
friends.
We cannot allow this crisis to continue unchecked.
The Cook Labor Government must act now.
