As part of efforts to address a rise in road trauma, the Federal Government will seek to boost data sharing from the states through its upcoming federation funding agreement negotiations.
The government has said that it will, for the first time, seek to include a provision in this negotiated agreement that will create a requirement for a nationally consistent data set.
Through next week’s budget it 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.
The Federal Government has said that a clear picture, underpinned by data, about where best to target road safety funding will save lives and ensure it is investing in the projects that will make the biggest difference.
Many stakeholders including the Australian Automobile Association have been calling for this action.
The Federal Government has said that it is committed to using greater data collection to increase road safety.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that the government is increasing investments in transport infrastructure because better roads boost efficiency, productivity and safety.
“We want people to get home safely to their family and be part of ending the scourge of road deaths,” Ms King said.
“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 to improve road safety.”
Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown, said that 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 focuses,” Ms Brown said.
“Federal, 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 2024.”
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