The Greens welcome the Rockliff Government’s progress on rolling out a new driver education program in schools but call on them to ensure later life education remains a focus too.
It’s good to see the government are increasing their focus on driver education. Improving support for new drivers is critical to make our roads safer. It also provides people with the skills they need to better access employment opportunities, education, and essential services.
With young people at much greater risk of crash incidents we recognise the importance of delivering this training through schools and are pleased to see specific funding put towards helping disadvantaged youth. However, the government must do more to support older drivers too.
I’ve heard some real concerns from community driver education services about the lack of funding certainty they have right now, and this is something the Minister needs to address. Whether someone is learning to drive at 16 or at 46 it is essential they’re getting the skills they need to become a safe driver.
Everyone shares the goal of pushing our road toll down towards zero. As part of that effort we need to make sure all new drivers are able to access education.
