Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and when communities, government agencies and industry partners work together, lives can be saved. On Saturday 9 August 2025, Toowoomba became the centre of a significant collaboration, as more than 100 Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers took part in an action-packed road safety event. Through hands-on demonstrations, practical challenges and expert advice, participants learned important skills to protect themselves and others on Australian roads.
Every year, too many lives are lost on Australian roads due to preventable causes such as speeding, drink and drug driving, failing to wear seatbelts, fatigue and driver distraction, known as the ‘Fatal Five’. For workers in Australia under the PALM scheme, understanding these risks is essential to staying safe while travelling to and from work, around their communities and on regional roads.
A partnership of organisations came together with one shared goal – to save lives through road safety education. The Pacific Islands Council of Queensland, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Queensland Ambulance Service, nib Insurance, the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) worked side-by-side to deliver the event for PALM scheme workers.
A hands-on approach to learning
The day featured 10 activity stations, each tailored to address one or more of the Fatal Five. Queensland Police Service officers demonstrated roadside intercepts, Random Breath Testing and breathalyser use, while ‘beer goggles’ and coordination challenges showed the real impact of alcohol on driving ability. Participants learned how to measure standard drinks and understand legal alcohol limits.
Sessions also covered seatbelt safety, the dangers of speeding, and recognising fatigue – especially during high-risk hours between 2 am and 6 am. The safe use of e-scooters and e-bikes, penalties for unsafe riding, and strategies to avoid distractions were also discussed. Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads presenters explored driver behaviour topics such as road rage, tailgating, emotional triggers and stress management.
To highlight the consequences of unsafe driving, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services staged a live crash rescue demonstration using hydraulic tools, while Queensland Ambulance Service provided CPR and first aid training so participants could respond to emergencies. nib Insurance delivered practical information on hospital charges, ambulance transport and insurance claims following accidents.
Access to ongoing resources
To ensure the lessons learned on the day continue well beyond the event, a dedicated safe driving hub has been launched on the PALM scheme website. The hub is a one-stop resource for driver licensing guidance, state-specific road rules, safety videos and tips for responsible driving.
By bringing together government agencies, community organisations and industry partners, the event showcased the power of collaboration in improving road safety knowledge. Most importantly, it equipped PALM scheme workers with the tools, skills and confidence to make safer decisions on the road – protecting themselves, their workmates and the communities in which they live.
