World-renowned public health expert Professor D’Arcy Holman will be the new independent chair of the WA Road Safety Council, Road Safety Minister Rob Johnson announced today.

Current chairman Grant Dorrington, who has guided the council in the role since it was established 12 years ago, will continue in the position until Professor Holman formally begins in November.

Professor Holman, who is the Chair in Public Health at The University of Western Australia’s School of Population Health, has professional commitments over the next three months.

“As the Minister responsible for road safety, I am thrilled that we have managed to secure the services of a new chairperson with Professor Holman’s abilities and professional standing,” Mr Johnson said.

“Professor Holman is recognised around the world for his expertise in public health and has already shown to me that he has a remarkable insight into complex issues such as road safety.”

The Minister said Mr Dorrington had taken on a monumental task as the inaugural chair of the council and had done an outstanding job in raising the profile of a problem which affected all Western Australians.

“For the past 12 years, Mr Dorrington has shown an unwavering commitment to improving road safety in WA,” he said.

“He has firmly established the importance of the Independent Chair in ensuring thorough consideration and implementation of road safety initiatives in this State.

“His personal commitment to road safety has been remarkable and he can take great pride in knowing that his efforts have helped shaped crucial policy which has ultimately saved lives and prevented injuries on our roads.

“I want to thank Mr Dorrington for his selfless efforts and for the time I know he has devoted to such an important cause.”

Mr Dorrington took on the position at a time when the annual fatality rate on WA roads was 14.1 deaths per 100,000 people.  Last year, that figure was 9.62 per 100,000.

“Clearly there is much more work to be done, but road safety is a journey for the entire community and I am confident Professor Holman is the best person to help us meet the challenges ahead,” Mr Johnson said.

The Minister said Professor Holman would help drive the State’s Towards Zero 12-year road safety strategy in WA.

“Road trauma places a huge burden on our community - for every one death, there are about 15 serious injuries, which costs about $2.4billion every year, not to mention the ongoing emotional costs for those injured and their loved ones,” he said.

“Towards Zero is based on the safe system approach to road safety, aiming to create a forgiving road network with safe drivers travelling in safe vehicles at safe speeds on safe roads.

“Professor Holman has the experience, qualifications and the personal commitment to take on this important role.

“His career has spanned leadership positions across the academic, government, community and private sectors. 

“In 2006, he received the Sydney Sax Public Health Medal - the nation’s highest professional award for protecting and advancing the health of the Australian public.

“Finding a Chair to succeed Mr Dorrington has been a long, thorough and extensive process.

“I believe we are very lucky to have attracted such a quality field and in Professor Holman, we have found someone who can further advance road safety as the very serious public health issue that it is.”