New Deputy Prime Minister

The Australian Automobile Association (AAA), Australia’s peak motoring body, offers its congratulations to the new Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack on his appointment as well as his choice to become Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. The AAA looks forward to working with Minister McCormack on the delivery of important reforms that affect the eight million members of Australia’s motoring organisations. The AAA also expresses its thanks to Barnaby Joyce as the previous Minister and his willingness to engage on important transport and motoring issues. Chief Executive of the AAA Michael Bradley said: “On behalf of Australia’s motorists, we congratulate Minister McCormack on becoming the Nationals leader.  We also recognise the importance of Infrastructure and Transport portfolios to the Government and the fact they will remain with the new leader.

“There are many challenges in the road transport sector and having such a senior Minister remain responsible for the portfolio recognises the importance of these challenges."

“Of immediate concern is the need to drastically reduce the nation’s road toll after AAA research revealed that 1,225 Australians died on our roads during 2017 while December 2017 recorded its worst month of road fatalities in six years, with the 129 road deaths being the highest monthly recording since November 2011. “Australian motorists also continue to struggle with the rising cost of transport that now accounts for an average of over fourteen per cent of their household budget. “The average metropolitan household now spends approximately $17,606 on transport costs, a figure that is often overlooked when compared to electricity bills that only account for three per cent of the budget.” The AAA looks forward to continuing the strong relationship it has had with all previous Ministers for Infrastructure and Transport.   ENDS.   Media contact: Jonathan Hawkes 0434 660 801 media@aaa.asn.au Follow us on Twitter: @AAAcomms