As the Northern Territory (NT) closes on the 2024 election, the spotlight is on critical transport and road safety issues that affect all Territorians.
Representing its members, the Automobile Association of the Northern Territory advocates for essential changes to ensure an affordable, sustainable and safer NT landscape.
AANT 2024 Election Priorities are based on issues our members care about, and changes AANT believes will deliver real improvement for the Northern Territory. AANT understands that mobility is the key to a thriving economy and underpins the community's ability to access employment, health care, education and recreation.
Reduce road deaths and serious crashes on Territory Roads
An unforgivably high number of people continue to be killed and seriously injured on Northern Territory roads. NT has the highest rate of road deaths of all Australian jurisdictions with a fatality rate per capita at least 3.2 times the national rate.
To reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on NT roads, the next Territory Government must:
- Increase investment in Territory roads to make our roads safer
- Tackle unsafe driving behaviours through increased on-road Police presence and continued education
- Provide a long-term funding commitment to Street Smart High that allows the program to be delivered to high school students right across the Territory.
- Develop place-based and community-lead programs to address local road safety challenges in Aboriginal communities, delivered in-language.
- Urgently introduce legislation to ensure “yellow lights” emergency roadside assistance workers are provided the same protection as in other States.
Make Territory Roads More Resilient to Extreme Weather
Our roads, which connect us to our communities, and to the rest of Australia, must be able to better withstand extreme weather.
It has become obvious that many of our most important roads, including parts of the Stuart Highway, are ill-equipped to cope with extreme, yet increasingly frequent, weather events.
To improve our road resilience the next Territory Government must:
Prioritise improvements in roads of economic and social importance that are not currently flood-proofed, including a fully funded plan where the consequences of a road being impassable are most significant.
Ensure Road Funding Decisions are Based on Need
The investment into road safety at all levels of government is not resulting in improved road safety and road trauma statistics remain well above published targets.
To ensure NT road funding decision-making is evidence based, the next Territory Government must:
- Commit to providing road safety data to the Federal Government’s National Road Safety Data Hub
- Have the systems and infrastructure in place to share accurate and complete data
- Demonstrate integrity in funding decisions and give confidence to the NT public that their tax dollars are being spent where most needed.
Ensure owning and operating a car is affordable
Transport affordability is impacting quality of life for many Territorians.
In the three-year period from January 2021 to January 2024, average household transport costs in Alice Springs rose by 47% from $14,993 to $22,082 per annum. In the same period, average household transport costs in Darwin increase 43% from $15,668 to $22,417 per annum.
To ease the cost of living for NT motorists, the next Territory Government must:
- Introduce a three-year freeze on motor vehicle registration fees, license fees and public transport fares.
- Continue to provide registration and stamp duty concessions for the purchase of low and zero emissions vehicles.
Serve the needs of Territorians in a rapidly changing transport landscape
The Federal Government’s New Vehicle Emissions Standard, set to be introduced on 1 January 2025, could potentially expose Territorians to higher new vehicle purchase costs.
To ensure a sensible approach to the transition to low and zero emission vehicles, the next Territory Government must:
- Safeguard Territorians against possible adverse effects of excessively aggressive targets under the introduction of the National Vehicle Emissions Standard.
- Introduce an EV Infrastructure working group, comprised of relevant government, energy, and industry stakeholders to develop a Territory EV Plan.
- Increase incentives for Territorians to invest in electric vehicles, particularly hybrid vehicles, which remain the most practical EV option for many Territorians.
- Increase charging infrastructure to connect the Territory and meet anticipated demand for EV technology, especially in locations where non-government investment is not commercially viable.
- Build a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to support EV’s and renewable energy technology.
- Deliver a reliable electricity supply network capable of meeting a substantial increase in demand.
- Communicate with Territorians to provide better quality information, including real-time information on available EV charging infrastructure.
A Message from CEO Simon Matthias
"In these transformative times for transport and road safety in the NT, AANT remains committed to advocating for the needs of our members and all Territorians. The upcoming election presents a crucial opportunity to address longstanding challenges and embrace innovative solutions. We urge political leaders to prioritise the safety, affordability, and sustainability of our transport infrastructure."
Territorians deserve safe roads, data-driven road investments, better transport affordability, as well as clear communication, good policy, and strong leadership from the government regarding the transition to new vehicle technology. The 2024 NT election result presents an opportunity to address these pressing transport issues.
AANT is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Territorians. We are committed to addressing our members' concerns around road safety, transport costs, and the condition of our roads.
