Media Release | 12 September 2025
Hon. Julie Freeman MLC
Shadow Minister for Road Safety
Hon. Rob Horstman MLC
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services
Dozens of Labor’s own Upper House MPs broke ranks this week, joining with the Opposition to back urgent calls for stronger action on WA’s road safety crisis after two catastrophic years on our roads.
It was the first time in more than four years that a motion moved by the Opposition passed unopposed in the Legislative Council – a sign the Cook Labor Government is under growing pressure over its failures on road safety.
Shadow Road Safety Minister Julie Freeman MLC said it was a historic moment that underscored the gravity of the situation.
“Right now, 132 Western Australians have tragically lost their lives on our roads this year – the highest year-to-date road toll in 18 years,” Ms Freeman said.
“Families and communities are crying out for action. Instead, they’ve been met with spin, excuses, and a Premier who has failed to show how his policies will save lives.
“For Labor MPs, including Cabinet Ministers, to support this motion shows even they know the Government has dropped the ball on road safety, with tragic consequences.”
Ms Freeman challenged Labor MPs to now back up their words with action.
“Supporting this motion is a start, but unless those same Labor MPs put pressure on the Premier and the Road Safety Minister at the Cabinet table, nothing will change.
“There are solutions ready to go, including urgently needed road upgrades, a Mid-West rescue helicopter, and a stronger police presence on regional roads. The only thing missing is political will.”
The motion also paid tribute to first responders, health professionals, and road safety advocates who continue to carry the burden of WA’s worsening road toll.
Shadow Emergency Services Minister Rob Horstman MLC said the toll on frontline responders and families cannot be ignored.
“Every crash leaves trauma that ripples across families and communities, and impacts nurses, doctors, and emergency services personnel,” Mr Horstman said.
“Yet WA Labor still hasn’t delivered it’s promise to expand PTSD protections to police and continues to turn its back on our emergency services volunteers.
“This motion sends a clear message that Parliament sees their struggle, recognises their sacrifice, and demands that road safety be treated with the seriousness it deserves.”
Hon Julie Freeman (1:06 pm): I move:
That this house:
(a) notes with grave concern the alarming number of road fatalities recorded to date in 2025, continuing the deeply troubling trend of rising deaths on Western Australian roads, particularly in regional and remote communities;
(b) recognises the tireless efforts of first responders, health professionals and advocacy organisations working to prevent road trauma and support those affected, and further acknowledges the significant mental health toll on survivors, bereaved families, emergency service workers, and frontline responders;
(c) calls on the Cook Labor government to urgently strengthen its response to the road safety crisis by adopting a whole-of-community approach—coordinating with local governments, law enforcement, health services, and industry stakeholders to address the unique and pressing road safety challenges across Western Australia; and
(d) further calls on the Cook Labor government to prioritise funding for critical road safety measures, including improved infrastructure, trauma support services, comprehensive driver education, and increased capacity for traffic enforcement and emergency response across the state.
ENDS
