The federal government says it is committed to greater Black Spot Program funding and to increased funding flows to regional and remote areas.
Responding to a federal parliamentary report on road safety, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications said the Australian government’s total commitment for the Black Spot Program from 2013‑14 to 2024-25 is $1.2 billion, and that a greater proportion of funding for regional and remote areas “may be approved should such funding levels be recommended by the Black Spot Consultative Panels”.
In its submission to the 2020 inquiry, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) said: “at this time, from a local government perspective, there is insufficient funding for Black Spot programs … and a lack of engagement by the federal government”.
ALGA’s submission also said it would be appropriate to establish a future Standing Committee on Road Safety reporting to the Cabinet Minister with responsibility for road safety.
The department’s response to the road safety inquiry agreed, saying the Australian government supported “the recommendation for the establishment of a Standing Committee by the Federal Parliament”.
Also endorsed was a call for an increase of funding by all governments towards improving road safety, as recommended by the inquiry into the National Road Safety Strategy 2011-20.
A recommendation that the Australian government “work with state, territory and local governments to collect accurate data on the current condition and rate of change of Australian roads” was also supported.
Only one of the report’s 22 recommendations – that the federal government establishes a national consultative committee on motorcycle safety – failed to win full or partial support.