Media Release | 10 April 2026
Hon. Julie Freeman MLC
Shadow Minister for Road Safety
Shadow Minister for Road Safety Julie Freeman MLC has condemned the Cook Labor Government for years of underspending on critical road safety initiatives, warning the consequences are now being felt in rising fatalities across Western Australia.
The Road Trauma Trust Account (RTTA), established under the Road Safety Council Act 2002, is designed to fund road safety projects and programs that reduce crashes, injuries, and deaths.
Administered by the Road Safety Commission, the account is primarily funded through road safety camera infringements.
Ms Freeman said significant amounts of funding have been left sitting idle instead of being invested in life saving measures.
“The RTTA finished 2022–23 with $94.6 million unspent, and 2023–24 with a further $119.8 million sitting idle in the account.
“These are substantial funds that should have been delivering safer roads and saving lives, not sitting unused.”
Ms Freeman said the State is currently experiencing an alarming road toll, tracking alongside some of the worst years on record.
“Far too many Western Australians are dying on our roads. On average, we are losing someone every two days,” she said.
“These are not just statistics — they are people. Someone’s partner, parent, sibling, or friend. The impact of these tragedies is felt right across our communities for many years.”
Ms Freeman also raised concerns about future funding, with the RTTA expected to receive between $50 million and $100 million this year from the new AI safety camera program.
“There is no clear assurance that this additional revenue will be directed into proven road safety measures that actually save lives,” she said.
“The Government must ensure funds collected for road safety are spent on what they were intended for — reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads.
“Western Australians deserve assurance that every dollar collected through road safety fines is invested in proven safety initiatives,” Ms Freeman said.
“It’s time for transparency on how and when these funds will be spent, with clear outcomes and timelines.”
ENDS
