Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Assistant Minister for Health) Share this | Hansard source

As a senator for New South Wales and a representative of rural and regional Australia, as so many of my colleagues are, it is distressing to know that 90 drowning deaths occurred in New South Wales last financial year and that 105 occurred in inland waterways across Australia. I am pleased to say that, as part of the $15 million committed in the budget to water safety, the government is providing $4 million towards the RLSSA's inland waterways drowning fund. The fund will investigate high-risk inland waterways; expand community education and awareness programs targeting alcohol consumption, the use of safe watercraft and practical lifesaving skills in rural and remote areas; and build and expand the River Drowning Black Spot Identification Program. We want Australians of all ages to enjoy themselves in the water and to relish this important part of our lifestyle. The government is playing its part, and we encourage parents, carers, teachers and individuals to do the same.