Palaszczuk Government puts LNP road safety cuts in reverse

The Palaszczuk Government has reinstated a key road safety awareness program for young drivers after it was cut by the LNP.

Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jo-Ann Miller visited Cavendish Road State High School today to relaunch the Road Attitudes Action Planning program (RAAP) which saw firies visit schools to spread the road safety message.

“In its haste to cut frontline services and sack public servants, the LNP inexplicably scrapped the RAAP which was delivered by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services,” Minister Miller said.

“Since 1998, passionate firies had been going into our schools to talk to senior students about the dangers they face behind the wheel. The program was being delivered to around 30,000 students a year – but even that wasn’t enough to stop the LNP’s wrecking ball from taking it out in 2012.”

Minister Miller said the Palaszczuk Government would commit $250,000 a year to allow Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) to once again deliver the life-saving program.

“So far this year, around a quarter of fatal crashes have involved a driver or rider under the age of 25. That’s why it’s vital to get our firies back into schools and talking to young people about road safety,” Minister Miller said.

“RAAP was the only program of its kind in Queensland and its centrepiece was a confronting demonstration where operational firefighters showcased the heavy equipment they use every day to free trapped and injured people from their wrecked cars.

“The firies then showed the students exactly what they have to do at the scene of a serious crash by ripping off the car’s roof before their very eyes.

“Students also had the chance to take part in a role play exercise designed to make them think about what they’d do if confronted with difficult circumstances such as being pressured into getting into a car driven by someone they know has had too much to drink.”

Member for Greenslopes Joe Kelly said the program would once again be an important part of senior students’ preparation for life outside school.

“Getting your license is a big part of growing up and for many of us, it happens while you’re at still at school.

“It’s important that we teach our young drivers that they’re not invincible. This program is just one way we can ensure our young people are getting the message that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

“We want to do everything we can to ensure our graduates have all the skills and knowledge necessary to make good life decisions once they leave.”

Minister Miller said driver education was a key focus of the Safer Roads, Safer Queensland forum convened by the Palaszczuk Government following the horror Easter on Queensland roads.

“Everyone in the room agreed – we need to make educating our young people about road safety a priority,” Minister Miller said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to keeping people safe on the roads.

"We're putting the LNP's road safety cuts in reverse.

“Reinstating this program that was thoughtlessly cut by the LNP is just another way we’re getting on with the job of delivering for Queenslanders.”

[ENDS] May 28

Media contacts:

Brent Davidson (Minister Miller’s Office): 0438 696 185

QFES Media: 3635 3310