New figures have revealed 98 per cent of potential compensation claims were denied by the Labor Government over the past two years, highlighting the desperate need to build better roads in Victoria, according to Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland.
Just 23 claims were successful of more than 1,800 drivers who applied to Transport for Victoria’s compensation scheme after pothole damage on state-managed roads.
Under the scheme, claimants must have losses exceeding $1,681, with that threshold then deducted from the payout, meaning damage under that amount is not covered at all.
The Liberals and Nationals have committed $5 billion to rebuild and repair Victoria’s roads, alongside the establishment of Better Roads Victoria, which Ms Cleeland said was an independent body dedicated to planning, prioritising and delivering road upgrades based on community need, not political convenience.
“The Nationals will stop the waste, end the corruption, and ensure regional Victoria have safe roads to drive on,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Victorians are paying registration, taxes and insurance, yet still hitting potholes that damage tyres, wheels and suspensions.
“The real answer isn’t more claims or more paperwork – it’s roads that don’t damage vehicles in the first place.”
Ms Cleeland said regional communities, who make up around a quarter of the state’s population, have been left behind for too long, and would be protected under a future Liberals and Nationals Government through the Fair Share Guarantee.
“For too long, road funding has been reactive, patching potholes after damage has already occurred rather than investing in long-term solutions,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The Fair Share Guarantee will ensure regional Victoria gets its fair share of infrastructure funding, while Better Roads Victoria will deliver the strategic investment needed to fix our roads for the long term.
“Families, farmers, freight operators and businesses rely on safe roads every day.
“Regional Victorians deserve infrastructure that matches the contribution they make to our state, and the Liberals and Nationals have a clear plan to deliver it.”
