Bolstering access to national road safety data

The Albanese Government is taking unprecedented steps to respond to the concerning increase in road trauma.

The Commonwealth will look to improve data sharing from the states through our upcoming federation funding agreement negotiations.

For the first time, we will seek to include a provision in this negotiated agreement with the states, that will create a requirement for the provision of a nationally consistent data set.

This is the first opportunity our government has had to act on data through these intergovernmental agreements, and comes after years of inaction by the previous Coalition Government.

Through next week’s budget we will also be investing $21 million in the National Road Safety Data Hub.

This investment will ensure that the Hub can be used effectively by everyone, including decision makers and will continue the work of harmonising the important data provided by state and territories.

A clear picture, underpinned by data, about where best to target road safety funding will save lives and ensure we are investing in the projects that will make the biggest difference.

This significant step adds to the work we have already done on coming to government to improve the data we collect.

Many stakeholders including the Australian Automobile Association have been calling for this action and we thank them for their advocacy.  

The Commonwealth is committed to using greater data collection to increase road safety. I encourage the states which haven’t indicated they will do so to now do the same.

We want people to get home safely to their family and be part of ending the scourge of road deaths.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King: 

"We are increasing investments in transport infrastructure because we know that better roads boost efficiency, productivity and safety.

"Better roads get us home quickly and safely, they keep trucks moving, and they get goods to market.

"Addressing the absence of consistent road safety data will complement the work we have already done since we came to Government to improve road safety."

Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator Carol Brown:

"This is important work to meet the goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads..

"We have already started rolling out our $43.6 million National Road Safety Action Grants Program, with research and data being one of the key focusses. 

"Australian, state and territory governments have also started developing the National Data Collection and Reporting Framework, in addition to the National Minimum Data Set – due at the end of this year."