For too long now motorists have been kicked around by anyone who wants to kick them. Up until now we have had no representation in Australia and no voice.

The closest thing to a voice has been newspaper letters to the editor where motorists have pleaded for rationality from those who claim to be looking after safety. However governments have laughed all the way to the bank after hearing the cries of lone powerless individuals.

There are currently 4 pressing issues regarding Australian motorists. The first is the fact that many of our speed limits are set below the 85th percentile and are thus based on money making not safety.

The second is the high taxes on petrol in most states.

The third issue is the appalling state of many of our roads.

The fourth issue is the low entry standard of drivers on our roads. The current focus of the National Motorists Association Australia is the speed limit issue. However we won't be ignoring other issues.

Our aim is simple. We will put in place a powerful national body that provides a voice for Australia's largest disadvantaged group - motorists. That body will ensure that Australian governments promote good public policy and road safety rather than revenue raising.

It will also ensure that Australian motorists in general get a fair deal and that individual Australian motorists have somewhere to go when they are in need of assistance with their particular problems.

In the future we intend to provide our own driving training. Well trained motorists means safer roads for both motorvehicle users and other road users. This in conjunction with police enforcing traffic laws which promote road safety has the potential to substantially benefit road safety.