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MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT
MINISTER URGES INDUSTRY TO EMBRACE NEW OPPORTUNITIES While industry’s push for compulsory vehicle inspections is clearly on the radar of the new Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard, his more immediate focus is stimulating a strong economic recovery. Speaking with Motor Trade in late September, he said it remained critical for South Australia to achieve the right balance between health and economic outcomes. The State Government’s ongoing ability to achieve its health objectives meant it was well placed to fire up the economy and create jobs, with infrastructure investment a key driver. However, the Minister said the State Government remained committed to periodic inspections as part of the heavy vehicle inspection scheme and is pushing for a national approach. “We’re awaiting the outcome of the National Transport Commission (NTC) review into recasting heavy vehicle national law and resolving policy at that level,” he said. “We’re also consulting with the national heavy vehicle regulator and SAPOL (SA Police) to review the roadworthiness regulations nationally as part of that.” The NTC review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and its supporting regulations started in November 2018 and a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) was released in June this year. The NTC intends to finalise options in a “decision RIS” and present this to State Ministers in May 2021. As former Minister for Road Safety, Corey brings to his new portfolio an acute understanding of the importance of roadworthy vehicles. However, he stopped short of endorsing compulsory vehicle inspections, arguing that a range of issues need to be addressed. “The cars are important but so are the roads and infrastructure,” he said.
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Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard
“That’s why we’re investing $12.9 billion in infrastructure in South Australia across the next four years.” Born in Cleve on the Eyre Peninsula, he includes references to both metropolitan and regional areas in his statements. “A big part of that $12.9 billion investment is improving our road infrastructure both in the regions and in the cities to make our intersections more efficient and to get an even better traffic flow. “We’re investing heavily in our freight corridors and our regional roads, making sure they have shoulder sealing, line markings, audio tactile markers and guardrails. “And as part of the state’s COVID-19 stimulus package, we put $144.5 million into improving our roads, with a big focus on road safety upgrades.” In addition to showing political leadership, as a father and grandfather he also reflected on the need to alter society’s mindset so that young, less experienced drivers no longer owned the oldest cars on the roads and instead drove the best.
BACKGROUND A former journalist, the 49-year-old was first elected in March 2014. He quickly adapted to the cut-and-thrust of politics and showed an uncanny ability to interpret the drumbeat of his electorate. Veteran commentators were not surprised to see him promoted to the Shadow Cabinet and during his time in the Liberal Opposition his responsibilities included Small Business and also Automotive Transformation. Asked about his key priorities and what he would like to achieve by the next election, the Member for Gibson said COVID-19 had substantially “changed the landscape”. “Everyone’s thinking very, very differently,” he said.
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