The federal government has demonstrated strong leadership with its commitment to extract crucial data on road trauma from state and territory governments ― a move that could save countless lives.
The Australian Medical Association is now urging all states and territories to follow the lead of the Queensland government, which recently committed to providing any road data necessary to the federal government.
AMA President Professor Steve Robson commended Transport Minister Catherine King’s announcement that she would seek to mandate a requirement for all states and territories to start sharing data on road accidents in the next five-year road funding deal.
“Put simply, a nationally consistent data set to provide better understanding of the causes of road crashes would save countless lives,” Professor Robson said.
“By having these crucial insights and data, investments can be directed to where they are needed most — contributing to effective road safety and transport infrastructure policy.”
During the 12 months to March this year, 1286 people lost their lives on Australian roads — an 8.2 per cent increase from the previous 12-month period.
The AMA has strongly campaigned for nationally consistent data sharing on road safety.
“Doctors, paramedics, nurses and many other health workers are faced with the grim consequences of road trauma every single day,” Professor Robson said.
“It is highly disappointing that state and territory governments have been gatekeeping important data on road accidents.
“Without this data, the National Road Safety Strategy objective of zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads by 2050 will be nothing but a fantasy.”
