Media Release | 15 December 2025
Julie Freeman MLC
Shadow Minister for Road Safety
Shadow Minister for Road Safety Julie Freeman MLC has raised serious concerns about the Cook Labor Government’s proposal to issue cautions instead of fines to drivers caught speeding, provided they have had no recent offences.
Ms Freeman warned the policy risks undermining road safety messages at a time when Western Australia is experiencing one of its deadliest years on the roads in a decade.
“There is a real danger this sends the wrong message,” Ms Freeman said.
“If drivers believe they can speed and still ‘get away with it’, we risk normalising speeding rather than discouraging it.”
Ms Freeman said rewarding safe drivers should be done in ways that reinforce responsible behaviour, not weaken deterrence.
“If the Government wants to recognise drivers who consistently do the right thing, a more sensible approach would be targeted incentives such as discounts on vehicle registration,” she said.
“We should be rewarding good behaviour and penalising bad behaviour — it really is that simple.”
Ms Freeman said Labor’s sudden shift in approach comes after sustained pressure from the Opposition and growing community concern over the alarming 2025 road toll.
“After one of the deadliest years on our roads in a decade, it’s clear the Government is scrambling to find solutions,” she said.
“Road safety policy should be driven by evidence and outcomes, not experimentation.”
ENDS
