The Tasmanian Government remains committed to supporting the safety and wellbeing of everyone working on our state’s roads.
As we mark Road Worker Day of Remembrance, we reflect on and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives while working on Australian roads.
Minister for Transport, Eric Abetz, said today we pay respect to those who have lost their lives while working to improve and maintain our road infrastructure.
“It is also a time to reflect on the critical need to pay attention to safety when travelling through roadworks and to follow the rules in place so no more people lose their lives while just doing their jobs,” Minister Abetz said.
“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is investing in a nation-leading, comprehensive driver education program in every Tasmanian school from year 9 to 12, and we are committed to improved safety at roadwork sites with long-term support to organisations such as the Traffic Management Association of Australia and the Civil Contractors Federation in their safety campaigns.
“Thankfully Tasmania has recorded no fatalities involving vehicles travelling through roadworks in recent years, but near misses continue to be reported far too frequently, and there’s no excuse for putting roadworkers at risk like this.
“Workers have every right to expect they can go about their jobs in a safe environment. Unfortunately, monitoring of worksites around the state shows speed limits designed to keep workers and road users safe continue to be ignored.
“While the vast majority of people do the right thing, it only takes one person. One death or injury is one too many.
“I encourage everyone to reflect on the importance of this day, raise awareness within your networks and remain committed to ensuring road workers return home safely at the end of each and every day.”
