The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the Federal Government’s $6.64 million commitment to fund Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) for another five years will save lives on local roads.
Mr Chester said the latest funding would help ANCAP to continue its role testing and assessing new cars, providing information for consumers about vehicle safety, and general advocacy about safety on Australia’s roads.
“Road crashes devastate too many families and communities with over 1200 lives lost each year and more than 30,000 seriously injured,” Mr Chester said.
“Safety should be top-of-mind every time we get in our cars and Australians need to be mindful of the benefits of purchasing cars with high safety ratings.
“Reducing road trauma is about safer drivers on safer roads in the safest car people can afford, and driving at a speed to suit the conditions.
“Younger drivers, in particular, need to understand the benefits of buying the safest car in their price range, and a program of continuous vehicle testing helps to keep customers well-informed.
“In my previous roles as Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Road Safety, I have advocated for incentives for motorists to purchase the safest car they can afford, for themselves and their children, so we capitalise on the latest safety technology in modern cars.
“Vehicles are the last line of defence in a crash, so it’s important we remain ambitious and keep aiming high to get the safest cars possible on our roads.”
The Federal Government is working with state and territory governments, road safety advocates and organisations, such as ANCAP, in a bold strategy to head towards zero road fatalities in Australia.
The renewed commitment sees Federal Government support of the ANCAP program continue until at least 2023.
