PM Transcripts

FOR MEDIA 17 APRIL 1990
I met today with the President of the Australian Medical
Association, Dr Bryce Phillips; and Sir Dennis Paterson,
Head of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Adelaide
Children's Hospital; and other members of the AMA to
discuss the next steps in the development of the National
Road Trauma Advisory Council ( NRTAC).
The Council's proposal, which has the strong support of
my Government and has also now received expressions of
support from the States and Territories, was originally
put forward to me last year by Sir Dennis. It was the
subject of detailed discussion and subsequently received
AMA policy endorsement as the result of Dr Phillips'
efforts. The Council will have as its principal role the
initiation of research and reports on means to reduce
road injuries and death by improving vehicle and road
safety standards, driver education and improved
licensing. It will report direct to me. Its reports
will be tabled in Parliament. My Government views it as
an integral means of encouraging the States to adopt
nationally consistent road laws, which we have put
forward as part of our ' black spots' program.
Dr Phillips, Sir Dennis and I have agreed that I will
write to the Premiers seeking their views on the detailed
workings of the Council. I will be seeking a response
from Premiers in sufficient time to enable a fully
developed proposal to be put on the table at the next
meeting of the Australian Transport Advisory Council
( ATAC) Ministerial meeting in late May and a meeting of
Health Ministers in June.