The NSW Opposition has criticised the Labor Government for demonstrating its wrong priorities regarding road safety policy following the Government’s first budget.
With the road toll on year-to-date figures up 26% compared to the previous year, analysis by the Opposition has revealed a 34% decrease in the allocation for road safety initiatives in this financial year.
Road Safety Expenditure1
| Financial Year | 2020/2021 | 2021/2022 | 2022/2023 | 2023/2024 |
| Road Safety Allocation (’000) | $ 331,076 | $ 331,515 | $ 421,521 | $ 280,294 |
| Change on previous year | 0% | 27% | -34% | |
| Percentage change over four years | -15% |
Road Fatality Rate2:
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
| Road Fatalities (Year to end of September) | 221 | 195 | 214 | 270 |
| Percentage Change compared to previous year(Year to end of September) | –12% | +10% | +26% | |
| Change over four years YTD | +22% |
Shadow Minister for Roads Natalie Ward commented “We will support the Government when it comes to road safety policy, but I question if the Government’s eye is on the ball right now.”
“Working towards the ambitious target of zero fatalities or serious injuries on NSW roads by 2050 requires sustained effort across successive Governments and I think It is fair question the priorities of this Government when it appears funding has been cut.”
“The measure of any Roads Minister is what steps they take to keep people safe, and I question where this important area is on the priority list for the new Government.”