PM Transcripts

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A U STRAIA
PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA SUNDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 1982
NATIONAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRINK DRIVING
I have written today to the State Premiers and the. Chief
Minister of the Northern Territory sceking their co-operation
in'a natL-ional media campaign against drink drivinag.
There is growing concern in the community about the
appallingly high number of deaths and injuries occurring
daily on our roads. This concern : Ls shared by -the
Commonwealth. Every effort should be made to reduce trauma and distress
in Australian families and the very high costs associated
with the road toll. A major problem appears to be driver
behaviour and drink driving in particular. Evidence suggests
that drink driving contributes to about 50% of road deaths
and 30%. of injuries.
The Commonwealth has therefore decided to provide $ 0.5 million
as part of a national co-operative effort towards the campaign.
The contribution will be on the basis of a dollar for dol. lar,
matching contribution from the States and the Northern Territory.
This will provide a government sponsored campaign of million.
Industry stands to benefit from this campaign through
reduced losses of output and productivity so it is hoped
that the private sector will also contribute to the campaign.
While details are yet to be finalised, it is envisaged that
the campaign will commence later this year and extend through
the Christmas/ New Year holiday period.
I strongly recommend that the States and Northern Territory
Governments join with the Commonwealth to make this
worthwhile campaign a truly nation-wide co-operative effort.