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The Australian Government Reconfirmed its Commitment to Safer Vehicles


seat belt

May 22, 2014: The Australian Government has today reconfirmed its commitment to safer vehicles allocating $2.2 million over the next two years, to the independent vehicle safety rating organisation, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

The Hon. Jamie Briggs MP, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development made the announcement in Melbourne today.

“With Australian Government support and funding, ANCAP has increased its ratings coverage to 95% of new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles sold in Australia,” Mr Briggs said.

“The Australian Government is committed to working with organisations like ANCAP to raise awareness of road safety and to reduce death and injury on our roads through safer vehicles, safer roads and safer drivers.”

ANCAP Chairman, Mr Lauchlan McIntosh responded, “It is reassuring to see this new Government continue to recognise the significance of safer vehicles and the important, independent role ANCAP plays in vehicle safety through its continued investment in our program. The commitment to continue at least for a further two years will complement the ongoing commitments from all stakeholders.

“ANCAP is the foundation stone for the Safer Vehicles pillar in the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety and in Australia’s National Road Safety Strategy. The continuation of federal funding underscores the important role vehicle safety plays in reducing road trauma. This is of particular relevance during this Decade of Action as we strive to meet a 30%, or greater, reduction in deaths and serious injuries by 2020.

“This funding will see ANCAP enter the next phase of vehicle safety assessment as we recognise the rapid growth of active safety technologies and begin to assess their effectiveness.

“Manufacturers recognise and accept the value of the ANCAP process in encouraging new car buyers including fleet managers, to look for and buy the safest cars available.

“As we see more and more imported cars entering our market, the continued role of ANCAP as the only independent organisation providing detailed safety comparisons is essential,” Mr McIntosh concluded.

ANCAP is supported by 23 member organisations – the Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.