Australia's road toll

Australia has recorded its deadliest year on the roads in over a decade, with 1,310 fatalities from July 2023 to June 2024, an increase of 11.7% from the previous year. Significant increases in road deaths were observed across several states, particularly in New South Wales (up 23% to 358 deaths) and the Northern Territory (up 107.7% to 54 deaths). While Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory reported declines in road fatalities, other regions, including Victoria and Queensland, also experienced notable increases. The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has emphasized the need for state governments to share critical data regarding road accidents to develop effective safety interventions. The federal government has proposed data-sharing agreements, but finalization has been delayed, hindering potential safety measures. Experts warn that without a data-driven approach, road safety management in Australia remains ineffective.