Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) The Major Cities Unit is responsible for the Department's activities within cities such as active transport. As of 31 March 2011, it had an average staff level of 6.8.

(2) and (3) The Australian Government fully supports bicycling as a component of Australia's transport task. In 2008-09, the Government invested $40 million for the construction of cycling infrastructure under the National Bike Paths Projects component of the Jobs Fund. The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport launched the National Urban Policy on 18 May 2011. This included a $20 million Liveable Cities program, announced as part of the 2011-12 Budget, to support projects that improve the quality of life in our cities, including those that promote active travel through walking and cycling.

(4) The Department does not collect data on this matter.

(5) The National Cycling Strategy 2011-2016 is particularly focused on safety engineering solutions for cyclists. A draft National Road Safety Strategy for 2011-2020 is currently under development which will complement the National Cycling Strategy in terms of safety.