JOINT MEDIA ALERT: Inaugural gathering of the Parliamentary Friends of Road Safety

To officially acknowledge formation of the Parliamentary Friends of Road Safety Group, the ANCAP Board of Directors will join with the Group's leaders, Senator Alex Gallacher and the Hon. Darren Chester MP, in hosting the Group at a reception at Parliament House on 24 September 2014.

The reception will provide an opportunity for members of the Parliamentary Friends for Road Safety Group to discuss the key road and vehicle safety issues facing the Australian community - now and into the future.

“This event and the formation of the Group is a significant step in putting road safety back on the national political agenda,” said Senator Gallacher.

“Better roads, safer cars and greater road user education are necessary steps in avoiding tragic scenes witnessed daily across the country, and Federal Parliament is the best place from which to send a united message to every corner of this nation.”

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester MP, said there was bipartisan support to further promote road safety measures within the Parliament.

“Everybody has an interest in reducing road trauma and the Parliamentary Friends of Road Safety are eager to discuss new ways of keeping this important issue at the top of the agenda,” Mr Chester said.

“We not only need to maintain our focus on improving driver behaviour and education, but also further investment in road infrastructure and vehicle safety improvements.”

ANCAP Chairman and President of the Australasian College of Road Safety, Mr Lauchlan McIntosh AM said, "Australia has been very successful with a range of programs to reduce road trauma over the last 40 years, and with a recognition of the value of a Safe Systems approach focussing not only on education but innovation, vehicles and infrastructure, we should recognise that we can successfully design our roads system with the vision that no one should die or be injured unnecessarily as we do with other transport systems."

Senator Gallacher, Mr Chester, and Mr McIntosh will be available for interview at the reception.

Location:
Senate Alcove, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Date:
Wednesday, 24 September 2014

Time:
6.30pm to 8.30pm (formal proceedings to commence from 7.00pm)

Contacts:
Matthew Marozzi (GALLACHER) - 0423 235 911
James Twining (CHESTER) - 0428 998 544
Rhianne Robson (ANCAP) - 0408 296 550