PROTECTING LIVES ON COUNTRY SCHOOL BUSES

$40 million has been set aside by the Federal Liberal-National Government to fit seat belts on school buses in rural and regional areas, Senator Fiona Nash said today. Senator Nash said the funding, to be spent over four years, is a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our children. “School children in rural and regional areas often have to travel long distances to get to school, which means a lot of time is spent on board the school bus,” Senator Nash said. “Because so much time is spent in transit to and from school, it’s very important that all safety precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of students on the bus, so news of today’s funding is certainly welcome for rural and regional families. “Today’s funding will fit at least 1,500 rural and regional school buses over the next four years with seat belts. Private bus route operators will be eligible for subsidies of up to $25,000 per new or retrofitted bus, and will be paid directly on an application basis.” Senator Nash called on the NSW Government to follow the lead of the Federal Government and take the appropriate measures to fit their own school bus fleets with seat belts. “Fitting seat belts in school buses is a state and territory responsibility – one they have failed to deliver on.” Media contact: Julie Siegert 0429 818 600

Source:

Post Comment

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Enter the code shown above in the box below

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail