The ATA has recommended a strong road safety focus should be included in the Australian Government’s 2017-18 Federal Budget.
The redirection of funding from the abolished Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) to practical safety measures should be continued, with funding for the NT and WA and a ‘share the road safely’ campaign to be introduced from 2017-18.
The Government should also deliver on its 2016 election commitments to continue road safety investment funding from 2019-20 onwards for programs including the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, Roads to Recovery, and the Black Spot Program.
The 2017-18 Budget is also an opportunity for the Government to maximise the effectiveness of this funding, and to commence a proper review and consideration of establishing an independent and hypothecated road fund to improve the effective targeting of road investment decisions.
In addition, the Government should maintain its commitment to freeze heavy vehicle revenue for 2017-18, and implement its component of reduced heavy vehicle charges to commence on 1 July 2017.
The Fuel Tax Act 2006 should also be amended to remove the 1 January 1996 threshold, so that every heavy diesel vehicle used on public roads must meet a maintenance or test criteria to be eligible for fuel tax credits.
The 2017-18 Budget was released on 9 May 2017.
