Nationals Slam Albanese Government's Plan to Reduce Default National Speed Limits

The Albanese Labor Government's proposal to lower default national speed limits to 70 kilometers per hour has been met with fierce opposition from The Nationals' Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Dr Anne Webster MP. Dr Webster, citing a recent survey of over 5,000 residents in her Mallee electorate, argues that reducing speed limits is a "lazy approach" to road safety reform, where road upgrades and increased law enforcement resources would have a more lasting impact. The proposed plan would also see the default upper limit on some regional roads reduced to 70 kilometers per hour, sparking concerns about the safety and economic viability of regional Australia.

Key Takeaways:

• The Albanese Labor Government's plan to reduce default national speed limits to 70 kilometers per hour has been met with strong opposition from The Nationals' Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Dr Anne Webster MP.
• Dr Webster argues that reducing speed limits is a "lazy approach" to road safety reform, where road upgrades and increased law enforcement resources would have a more lasting impact.
• A recent survey of over 5,000 residents in Dr Webster's Mallee electorate found that 74% rated roads in the electorate as being in poor condition.
• The proposed speed limit reductions would disproportionately affect regional Australia, where roads are often in poor condition due to underfunding.
• Dr Webster argues that the solution to regional road safety is to improve the roads, not to reduce speed limits.
• The Nationals secured a commitment in the federal Coalition agreement to maintain the $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund, which includes a commitment to pay for regional infrastructure.
• Dr Webster is encouraging regional councils and all Australians to make submissions to the consultation about the impact of speed limit reductions in regional Australia.

Statistics:

• 74% of residents in Dr Webster's Mallee electorate rated roads in the electorate as being in poor condition (George, 2023)
• 5,000+ residents participated in Dr Webster's survey (George, 2023)
• The proposed Regional Australia Future Fund includes a commitment to pay for regional infrastructure (Source: The Nationals, 2023)
• The Regional Australia Future Fund is valued at $20 billion (The Nationals, 2023)

Sources:

• George, (2023). Doctor calls for evidence on speed limits. Farm Weekly.
• Dr Anne Webster MP, (2023). Official Twitter account. The Nationals.