UPDATE: The proposed reduction of the default road speed limit in rural Australia has been quietly shelved following widespread backlash, marking a significant victory for the Coalition and regional advocates. This decision, confirmed late Friday afternoon, comes after the Albanese Labor Government’s controversial plan to lower the default speed limit from 100 kilometres per hour to as low as 70 km/h faced immense opposition.
Dr. Anne Webster, Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Member for Mallee, declared the shelving of this proposal a triumph for common sense and Coalition advocacy. “It is infuriating that such a proposal ever saw the light of day,” she stated in a media release dated 22 November 2025.
The Labor Government’s plan was criticized for its potential negative impact on regional development, with Dr. Webster emphasizing that such a drastic speed limit change would hinder connectivity and exacerbate the challenges posed by Australia’s vast distances. She rallied regional Australians, urging them to voice their concerns, which led to a surge of public submissions against the proposal.
According to reports from this afternoon’s meeting of Transport Ministers, the decision to abandon the speed limit reduction was made following a sham consultation process. The Coalition had previously pressured the government to extend the consultation period, highlighting the inadequate communication surrounding the proposal.
“This is a victory for regional Australia and common sense,” Dr. Webster asserted, urging the Albanese Government to reconsider the implications of their policies on rural communities. The Australian Local Government Association, along with the NSW Labor Roads Minister, had already indicated their lack of support for the speed limit reduction.
The proposal, which aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, faced criticism from various sectors, including local governments and residents who felt it would disproportionately affect rural Australians. Dr. Webster commended those who engaged in the consultation, saying their collective voice was instrumental in achieving this outcome.
With the speed limit reduction now off the table, regional leaders are calling for more thoughtful policies that genuinely consider the needs of rural communities. Observers are keenly watching to see how the Labor Government will respond to this setback and what alternative measures they may propose moving forward.
As developments unfold, regional Australians are encouraged to remain vigilant and continue advocating for sensible policy decisions that reflect their unique challenges and needs.
