The Road Safety Data Bureau will aim to fill the gaps in the road crash and trauma data currently collected by Queensland’s government agencies.
The Government of Queensland announced Thursday that it will compile information from its multiple organizations to reduce the death toll on the highways.
The State has established a five-strong Road Safety Data Bureau, which includes Transport and Main Road employees, the Police Department in Queensland, the Queensland Motor Accident Insurance Board and the Jamieson Trauma Institute in Queensland Health with a view to providing insights into the social, emotional and financial expenses of road trauma.
“In 2018, the economic cost of fatalities and hospitalised casualties as a result of crashes in Queensland was estimated at more than AU$5 billion,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.
“Queensland health information indicates that almost 15 percent of hospital admissions are attributed to transportation accidents across all age groups and account for nearly 30,000 bedding days per year.
“The true road toll includes more than fatalities alone.”
Bailey said eliminating death and weakening road injury was a financially reasonable investment.
The Minister stated that the new office, financed with AU$ 3 million to cover its establishment, its jobs and the cost of its operation, would fill the gaps in the road accident and trauma information presently gathered by the public departments of Queensland.
“There already are relationships between these organizations, but the co-location of those positions will enable us to create a deeper knowledge of causes and effects of accidents,” he continued.
“We’re collecting lots of information across the government and sector, so it makes sense for us to explore how information can help us create better and quicker choices.”
The Government of Queensland announced previously this month that a new position will be established in leading the state’s digital transformation, with a Chief Customer & Digital Officer still appointed to “raise the bar on client services” because the country seeks to become the market leader in providing “safe, secure and readily accessible internet services for Queenslanders.’
“This new function of chief customer and digital officer will ensure that the government ensures, cuts down duplications and invests in digital initiatives that fulfill Queenslanders ‘ demands at all levels,” said Digital Technology Minister Mick de Brenni.
“Our clients need to be confident and confident that we are listening to their requirements.” The new leader will also be accountable to ensure that their IT investments give the government the greatest possible value.