LABOR SCRAPS LEVEL CROSSING SAFETY FUND

LABOR SCRAPS LEVEL CROSSING SAFETY FUND 

The Albanese Labor Government’s Budget has revealed their intention to scrap the Regional Australia Level Crossing Upgrade Fund a year early leaving thousands of level crossings without a Commonwealth Government funding stream to improve safety. 

The Regional Australia Level Crossing Upgrade Fund provides States and Territories with funding to undertake upgrades at railway crossings in regional areas such as signage, boom gates, flashing lights or lighting upgrades and rumble strips to alert motorists and pedestrians approaching regional railway crossings.

Funding under this program was intended to be available each year to 2026-27 to make railway crossings safer, but the Albanese Government has the program ending next year.

Many of the 23,000 level crossings across Australia present significant risk to the safety of all the users of the rail and road network, and to the resilience of Australia’s transport systems. Every year, incidents at level crossings result in injuries, loss of life, and significant economic costs.

Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety Tony Pasin MP said rural and regional level crossings pose significant risks with a higher vehicle collision rate and severity of impact.

“While addressing safety issues at level crossings requires a multi-pronged approach and co-ordination between all stakeholders there is no doubt that capital investment remains a key part of the ongoing solution,” Mr Pasin said.

“With thousands of level crossings continuing to pose safety risks along our regional road and rail networks on what basis is Labor scrapping this fund?”

“Under Labor the road toll has been increasing, with more than 1,300 lives lost on Australian roads last year.

Reducing risks at level crossings is a national road safety priority and the budget was a missed opportunity by the Government to keep the program going.

Candidate for Grey, Tom Venning said this Commonwealth fund had been instrumental in seeing level crossings across Grey receive the safety upgrades needed.

“This decision is a slap in the face for regional communities that rely on safe road and rail crossings, particularly in areas like Grey, where many crossings still lack basic safety measures,” said Mr Venning.

“The Albanese Government talks about road safety, yet they are walking away from a program designed to prevent tragedies at level crossings. Cutting this funding program leaves regional Australians exposed to unnecessary danger.”

“The Government must explain why they’re abandoning this vital safety initiative,” Mr Venning said.