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Sterle wins shadow portfolio

Outspoken former truckie takes on road safety role

 

Outspoken Labor Senator and former truck driver Glenn Sterle has been given a new job, appointed shadow assistant minister for road safety in a recent reshuffle of the Federal opposition front benches.

The role is a new one for the opposition – and there is no Government minister for road safety.

Sterle says he is looking forward to getting to work in the portfolio, adding that it was an issue that had been at the forefront of his mind for many years.


Sterle spoke out against autonomous vehicles earlier this year – check out our story here


According to Sterle, there have been 14,525 road fatalities in Australia over the last ten years, including 480 deaths so far this year.

“The Government is not on track to meet its target to reduce deaths on our roads. It is clear that more needs to be done to make and keep our roads safer,” he says.

 “I made my living out of driving trucks. I come from a trucking family. My dad was a truck driver, I was a truck driver and my son is a truck driver…. Before entering Parliament, I advocated for better working conditions for the truck drivers of Australia,” he says.

“I understand and appreciate the issues that confront road users and the conditions that those who work in the transport industry face.”

 “Better working conditions for our drivers means safer roads for all Australians.”

The reshuffle, which came about following the resignation of Tim Hammond, also sees Madeleine King appointed to the Shadow front bench with responsibility for Consumer Affairs, Resources and as shadow minister assisting for small business.

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