News

Media Release | December 05, 2023

Labor’s cuts put children at risk

Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has slammed plans by the Allan Labor Government to cease funding the ‘Safe Seats, Safe Kids’ free child car restraint checking program at the end of the year.

Neighbourhood Houses have successfully run the program across Victoria for the last four years, with 13,993 checks being conducted during 2022/23 and only 1105 of the restraints found to be correctly installed and fitted.

Networker for the SouthWest Network of Neighbourhood Houses in Hamilton, Debra King said she was keen to see the program continue.

“The Safe Seats, Safe Kids program is the best program for travel safety of bubs and children that parents, grandparents or carers can make an appointment for.

“The checks are performed by accredited fitters who ensure child car restraints are installed and being used correctly, as well as educating families about what to check to ensure their child is safe in the car each and every trip.

“These easily booked checks provide peace of mind, safe secure seating and support, advice and knowledge - all bundled into a visiting service to our community,” she said.

Ms Kealy said the numbers “do the talking for themselves”.

“Premier Allan’s decision to cut critical road safety initiatives on Victoria’s already crumbling roads is putting our children’s lives at risk and is further evidence that she can’t manage money and she can’t manage projects. 

“I am calling on the Allan Labor Government to immediately make the funding available to continue this program to ensure the safety of our most precious resource – our children,” she said.