Scott Buchholz (Wright, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to offer a challenge to every single resident of my electorate of Wright as we move into this Christmas break. Earlier today I was looking at last year's road toll statistics. In the year of 2013, there were no less than 1,193 deaths on the national roads, eight per cent down from the previous year, may I add—an outstanding achievement—but nevertheless 1,193 too many deaths. Broken down by state, New South Wales and Victoria had record lows, so well done to those guys. Northern Territory, Queensland—my home state—the ACT and Western Australia had fewer deaths than the year before. Tasmania and South Australia were slightly higher.

The challenge I send out to everyone in my electorate is: don't be a bloody idiot on the road over the Christmas break. Irrespective of whether you vote for me or not, your life is far too precious to me as a father, as a husband and as the representative of the electorate of Wright. Please do not think that you can go and do a seven- or eight-hour shift or a 10-hour shift at work and then jump in a car and start off on your annual holiday with the most precious cargo in your vehicle, that being your family. Be road wise about road safety. Get home safely.