The Andrews Labor Government will establish a dedicated office of road safety to focus the state’s efforts on tackling Victoria’s road toll.
Road Safety Victoria will merge the road safety functions of VicRoads and the Department of Transport and centralise the work previously undertaken by these agencies.
Road Safety Victoria will work closely with all road safety partners, made up of Victoria Police, the Transport Accident Commission, VicRoads, the Department of Transport, the Department of Justice and Regulation and the Department of Health and Human Services to develop strategies and programs to reduce Victoria’s road toll.
VicRoads Chief Executive Robyn Seymour will be the inaugural Head of Road Safety Victoria when it is established on 1 August.
Ms Seymour has been working in road trauma prevention for the last 19 years. She began her career as a road trauma counsellor before moving to VicRoads where she has been an influential leader for more than a decade. She is passionate about road safety and delivering safer outcomes for the community.
As well as helping coordinate the delivery of the Towards Zero Strategy, Road Safety Victoria, in conjunction with other road safety partners, will develop road safety policies, coordinate programs and campaigns, and support the development of the Labor Government’s next road safety strategy.
After a record low number of lives lost in 2018, it has been a tragic year so far on Victorian roads. There have already been 153 deaths this year, compared with 100 at the same time last year.
Road Safety Victoria will strengthen Victoria’s road safety capability and ensure road safety is a priority within the new integrated Department of Transport.
Through the Road Safety Summit, regional roundtables and now the creation of Road Safety Victoria, the Government is listening to the experts to make our roads safer for all who use them.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford
“Victoria has a proud history of being a world leader in road safety and Road Safety Victoria will ensure we remain at the forefront of policy development, programs and initiatives.”
“Ms Seymour began her career counselling those affected by road trauma, so she knows firsthand the devastating impact it has and why we need to do everything we can to make our roads safer.”
Quotes attributable to incoming Road Safety Victoria Chief Executive Robyn Seymour
“Road safety is an issue close to my heart, which is why I’m honoured to take on this role.”
“Road Safety Victoria will bring together the experts, improve coordination and develop the next road safety strategy to reduce the number of lives lost on our roads.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020