22/10/2025

The Albanese Labor Government’s plan to slash speed limits on regional and rural roads in poor condition is a ‘blame the victim’ solution to the issue of road safety the Cowper electorate.

Labor Minister Catherine King is proposing reducing speed limits on dirt, gravel or sealed roads in need of repair, in response to the worsening national road toll under her government.

This ‘solution’ will only halt regional productivity and not address one of the root causes of the problem – which is ultimately Labor’s continued cuts to regional roads and infrastructure funding.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan has slammed the plan, calling it a lazy approach to road safety reform.

“Across the Cowper electorate, from Port Macquarie all the way up to Coffs and out to Bellbrook and Dorrigo, poor road conditions remain one of the most consistent issues that constituents bring to my attention every day, with an unacceptable number of roads in desperate need of repair and mitigation works, particularly in the wake of recent flood activity,” Mr. Conaghan said.

“Local councils and shires are working hard to upgrade their road networks to a safe standard on what is essentially the smell of an oily rag due to cuts from both the State and Federal Labor Governments, but they simply can’t get all the necessary work done, or are forced to provide cheaper band aid solutions to large scale problems.”

“The solution is to maintain and upgrade our local roads effectively and with future growth in mind, not to impose ‘slow downs’ on roads that should simply be in better condition. We need better, faster and more effective transport, particularly when it comes to road freight for our local producers and businesses. Slower deliveries and longer travel times only impose the financial burden on locals, without fixing the issue.”

Mr Conaghan is urging local transport operators, small business, farmers and councils to make submissions to the Government’s consultation before the 27 October closing date about how their communities would be impacted by speed limit reductions on rural, regional and remote Australian roads.

“Government has an obligation to protect the lives and livelihoods of every Australian, not just those in metro areas. so they should get on with it and fund our regional roads.” Mr Conaghan said.

To make a submission, please send it to pat.conaghan.mp@aph.gov.au and it will be lodged on your behalf with the Department.