Media Release | 7 April 2026
Hon. Julie Freeman MLC
Shadow Minister for Road Safety
Shadow Minister for Road Safety Hon Julie Freeman MLC has expressed deep concern following another tragic Easter long weekend on Western Australia’s roads, warning the rising toll must be a wake-up call for stronger action.
“Every life lost on our roads is one too many, and behind every statistic is a devastated family and a community changed forever,” Ms Freeman said.
“Easter should be a time for reflection and connection. Instead, for too many Western Australians, it has become a time marked by tragedy.”
Ms Freeman said WA continues to experience unacceptably high levels of road trauma, with regional roads and vulnerable road users over-represented in fatalities and serious injuries.
She said the growing number of motorcycle-related deaths and injuries is particularly concerning.
“Motorcyclists are among our most vulnerable road users, and we are seeing them increasingly represented in serious crashes, especially on regional roads and in recreational settings,” she said.
“The rise in trail bikes and e-motorbikes, particularly among younger riders, adds another layer of risk that cannot be ignored.”
Ms Freeman said the Easter road toll also raises serious questions about whether Western Australia is using its road safety funding as effectively as possible, with the State’s road toll showing little meaningful decline.
“The State Labor Government has set a target to reduce the road toll by up to 70 per cent, however we are not on track to reach that target.” she said.
“Each year, around $100 million flows into the Road Trauma Trust Account from fines issued to drivers.
“The issue is not a lack of funding — the question is whether that money is being spent in the most effective way to reduce deaths and serious injuries.”
Ms Freeman said it is time to examine whether the current approach to allocating RTTA funding is fit for purpose.
“The Road Safety Council plays a key role in advising how these funds are spent, but its membership is largely made up of government agencies — many of which also receive that funding,” she said.
“That raises a legitimate question about whether the current structure encourages the level of innovation needed to drive real change.”
Ms Freeman is calling for a renewed approach to road safety investment, including greater independence in decision-making and stronger targeted measures.
“We should be increasing independent representation on the Road Safety Council and drawing on external expertise to bring fresh ideas,” she said.
Ms Freeman said Western Australians deserve transparency, accountability, and real outcomes.
“This is about saving lives and preventing the kind of trauma no family should ever have to endure.”
ENDS
