Australian Automobile Association

Australian Automobile AssociationAnnual Report 2007 – 2008

Table of ContentsAAA Objectives and Themes 2-3President’s Report 4-5Executive Director’s Overview 6-7AAA Board 8-9AAA Activities 10-17AAA Staff 18Graphs & Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-20Annual Report 2007 – 2008

AAA ObjectivesThroughout its 84-year history, the Australian Automobile Association has been the national voice of Australianmotorists. The AAA Business Plan sets out the following objectives:Objectives of AAAa) To promote responsible, safe, affordable motoring.b) To represent, safeguard and protect the interests of Australian motorists.c) To facilitate opportunities for the mutual benefit of member clubs.d) To engender a spirit of cooperation between member clubs.e) To manage relationships with the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)and international motoring clubs.Australian Automobile Association

AAA ThemesIn meeting these strategic and corporate objectives, AAA has developed its activities around seven themes. They are:Themes and strategic outcomesMotoristsEasier, safer, more pleasurable and affordable motoringSafetySafer motoringInfrastructureA transport network which moves people and freight safely,quickly and efficientlyEnvironmentImproved environmental performance of carsAAA workinggroupsBest practicePublic affairsInfluence, inform and lead debateInternationalrelationsStrong links to the international motoring community toenhance opportunities for sharing of experiences, developmentof products and creation of public policyAnnual Report 2007 – 2008

President’s Annual Report 2007 – 2008AAA and constituentmotoring clubs havehad a busy yearand faced a rangeof challenges onbehalf of membersand indeed allmotorists.There have been the challenges of liaising andworking with a new Federal Government, maintainingrelations and activities at the state and internationallevel, and maintaining AAA’s important advocacy andfacilitation roles.This included the release of AAA’s election policy– Motoring Matters for Every Australian – and lobbyingof all parties on road safety issues in the lead up tothe November Federal election last year.AAA continues to achieve success in its ongoingcampaigns for infrastructure funding, vehicle safetyand increasingly in the area of driver training with theintroduction of the keys2drive program.Safe Systems ApproachAAA and the constituent clubs are strong advocatesof the safe systems approach to safety – safer driversin safer cars on safer roads – and we continuallycampaign to achieve outcomes in these three areas.AAA’s groundbreaking driver training program,keys2drive, has been embraced by the FederalGovernment – the first time the Commonwealth hasbecome actively involved in driver training – with$17 million allocated in the Federal Budget for thedevelopment and roll out of the program.AAA and the clubs continue to actively supportthe Australasian New Car Assessment Program,which crash tests new cars and awards them a starrating for safety. Highlights of this program includecontinuing improvements in vehicle safety as shownby the increasing number of 5-star vehicles, and theconduct of a partnership between Australasian NewCar Assessment Program (ANCAP) and the FederalGovernment to promote Electronic Stability Control(ESC).AAA continues to successfully lobby government toprovide increased funding for roads and infrastructureand promotes its internationally recognised road ratingscheme, the Australian Road Assessment Program,which assesses road infrastructure and awards thema star rating for safety.We have also had a high profile in the ongoing debateabout high petrol prices and maintaining pressure onthe Australian Competition and Consumer Commissionto ensure petrol prices are reflective of world pricesand motorists are not being slugged unfairly at thepetrol pump.Climate ChangeAnd AAA has also taken an active stance in theclimate change arena, releasing its Climate Changestatement – On the Road to Greener Motoring – andconducting an international climate change summit inCanberra in June 2008.Internationally, AAA and Australia’s motoring clubs areactive participants in the FIA Foundation’s global roadsafety activities and provides a strong leadership roleamong clubs in the FIA Region 2 – the Asia-Pacificarea.Australian Automobile Association

President’s Annual Report 2007 – 2008This includes ongoing assistance with thedevelopment of the International Road AssessmentProgram (iRAP) and vehicle safety initiatives as well.AAA has an active role in a number of the FIA’sworking groups and on the Make Roads Safe andinternational climate change activities.In all, 2007-08 has been another year of achievementfor the AAA, constituent clubs and their 6.5 millionmotoring members. While the Clubs continue todevelop and provide benefits and direction forAustralian motorists, AAA continues to maintain itsactive presence on road safety issues at the local,state, national and international level.Consumer AdvocatesWe are consumer advocates and not seeking a slice ofany sectoral pie and AAA continues to fight this goodfight alongside the clubs.This is my final year as President of the AAA and Iwould just like to thank those in the AAA Secretariat,the Board, the Public Policy Forum and other workinggroups for continuing to successfully carry forwardroad safety issues on behalf of our members and allmotorists.Thank you for my time as President and I look forwardto seeing the AAA continue to go forward and progressthese road safety issues on behalf of all Australiansand the Australian community.Thank youAlan EvansPresidentAustralian Automobile AssociationAnnual Report 2007 – 2008

Executive Director’s OverviewThe AustralianAutomobileAssociation andconstituent motoringclubs have been veryactive in a year thathas seen a change inthe national politicallandscape.With a new Federal Labor Government after 11years of Liberal administration and global economicconditions impacting on world commodity prices suchas record oil and petroleum prices, AAA has been veryactive in voicing the concerns of Australian motoristsand advancing motoring issues on their behalf at thelocal, state, national and international levels.Alongside our ongoing advocacy and representationactivities, AAA and the Clubs have also developed andchampioned an innovative driver training program,keys2drive, which has been embraced by the FederalGovernment and driving groups.Federal Budget RecognitionAAA’s ongoing lobbying for increased funding of roadinfrastructure and road safety projects has beenrecognised in the 2008-09 Federal Budget.The AAA Board and Clubs also moved strongly intothe climate change debate in 2007-08, releasing itsClimate Change statement – On the Road to GreenerMotoring – and undertaking a range of activities whichincluded the conduct of a national Climate Changesummit held in Canberra in June 2008.Importantly, major issues such as urban congestionwhich were highlighted by AAA, were recognisedwith Budget funding allocated specifically for projectslooking at the impacts of congestion on motoring costsand climate change.2007-08 was a successful year for AAA and the Clubson a number of fronts.Election ActivityAs part of its election activities, AAA released itselection statement and kit – Motoring Matters forEvery Australian – which laid out AAA policies andpriorities over the next term of government. All partieswere lobbied and presented with the kits and therewas considerable support for our position.This was recognised by the Federal Labor Governmentin this year’s Federal Budget, delivered in May, whichincluded extra funding for road infrastructure and$17 million over five years to develop and implementkeys2drive, a training program based on Clubprograms and a ground-breaking initiative.keys2drive provides a free lesson for learner drivers,accompanied by their supervising driver, with anaccredited driving instructor. The development ofthis program is largely due to the hard work ofAAA’s Research Manager, Greg Smith, and workinggroups from all clubs - we congratulate all involved indeveloping this program.AAA’s success in lobbying and influencing governmentis largely due to the ongoing liaison with FederalMinisters, MPs and committees through the Clubs’Parliamentary Visits Program, which continues to bewell supported by both the Clubs and the MPs as anopen forum for the exchange of views and providinginformation.Australian Automobile Association

Executive Director’s OverviewAAA’s vehicle safety activities have also seenincreased interest and support for the AustralasianNew Car Assessment Program and an increasingnumber of 5-star vehicles available on the Australianmarket.AAA now has responsibility for the conduct ofAustralia’s Best Cars, the most independentconsumer-oriented car awards program in Australia.The Best Cars industry event was held in Melbournein December 2007 and was well attended by theautomotive industry.AAA and the Clubs also conducted the first RoadPatrol Skills Showcase in April 2008, providing afocus on the skills and expertise of the Clubs roadsidepatrols. The event was a great success and willbecome annual.International ActivityOn the world front, AAA continues to be involved inthe FIA and in major international programs such asMake Roads Safe, the International Road AssessmentProgram (iRAP), Choose ESC, the FIA ConferenceWeek and the Global Response Roundtable.The AAA Secretariat continues to act on behalf ofClubs and their members. There has been somemovement this year with the departure of TechnicalServices Director, James Hurnall, and his replacement,Craig Newland, coming on board from the Departmentof Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development andLocal Government. James provided 5-star service tothe AAA during his five years and we wish him well inhis new position at the Federal Chamber of AutomotiveIndustries.Another activity worth noting is the establishment of aAAA Communication Managers Group (CMG), whichhas overseen the development and conduct of a rangeof internal and external communication activities. TheCMG reports through the Public Policy Forum, whichcontinues to provide advice and develop policy for theAAA Board to consider and act upon.By any measure, AAA has been active at many levelson behalf of constituents and the Clubs’ 6.5 millionmotoring members. International activities and issuessuch as high oil prices continue to impact uponmotorists and the AAA has acted as a strong advocateat forums in Australia and internationally.Thank YouThese activities could not be undertaken without astrong Board and committee structure, Club officersand the AAA staff. My thanks to all for a sterling job in2007-08.I would also like to thank the outgoing AAA President,Alan Evans, for the direction and advice he has shown,and alongside that to welcome incoming PresidentFreda Crucitti from the RAC(WA).I look forward to continuing to lead AAA’s strategic andcorporate activities on behalf of the members.Mike HarrisExecutive DirectorAustralian Automobile AssociationAnnual Report 2007 – 2008

AAA BoardThe AAA Board oversees the activitiesand strategic functions of the AAA andconstituent motoring organisations– NRMA Motoring & Services, RACV,RACQ, RAASA, RACWA, RACT, AANTand RACA.The Board met in August 2007, November 2007and April 2008. The AAA Annual Conferencewas hosted by the RACWA in Perth in November2007.Board meetings set and review the strategicdirection of the AAA, review AAA activitiesagainst the Business Plan, decide on key policyissues, oversee AAA forward planning, exchangeviews among constituents and ensure thestatutory requirements for the organisation areachieved.Board committees include:• Audit and Investment; and• Remuneration.Board committees have their own Charter toensure their relevance and have met regularlythroughout 2007-08.Alan EvansPresident, AAAPresident, NRMAMichael Tynan OAM, QMDeputy President, NRMAFreda CrucittiVice President, AAADirector, RACWAJohn IsaacPresident, RACVRichard PietschPresident, RACQLeon HolmesPresident, RAASAAustralian Automobile Association

AAA BoardAlden HalsePresident, RACWARoger LockePresident, RACTBob BradleyPresident, AANTGavin ThomasPresident, RACATony StuartChief Executive Officer, NRMAColin JordanManaging Director & ChiefExecutive Officer, RACVIan GillespieChief Executive Officer, RACQIan StoneChief Executive Officer, RAASATerry AgnewGroup Chief Executive Officer,RACWAGreg GoodmanChief Executive, RACTMike HarrisExecutive Director, AAAAnnual Report 2007 – 2008

AAA ActivitiesAAA undertakes a range of activitieson behalf of Constituent motoring clubsand their members. These activitiesare undertaken at the national andinternational level, and are presented inline with the AAA Business Plan.MotoristsAAA 2007 Election Campaign StrategyAAA was a prominent advocate during the 2007Federal election campaign which saw the election ofa Labor Government. It released a detailed Federalelection strategy – Motoring Matters for Every Australian– in September and liaised with all political parties inthe run up to the November 24 election.AAA was successful in influencing both major politicalparties to commit to increased funding for transport andinfrastructure as part of their election commitments. Inaddition both parties also pledged financial backing forthe AAA’s keys2drive driver training program.The safe systems approach of “safer drivers in safercars on safer roads” which has been heavily promotedby AAA and the clubs for the past few years is nowreflected in the policy settings of both major parties.Since the election the new Government has allocatedfurther long-term funding to infrastructure throughthe establishment of Infrastructure Australia and theBuilding Australia Fund.All political parties were surveyed to determine theirpolicies on a range of motoring issues and theirresponses provided to the Constituents for use asrequired during the campaign.AAA has been an effective advocate in highlighting arange of motorists’ issues in the national media and tostakeholders.The AAA Executive Director and AAA staff haveappeared in a wide variety of national broadcast andprint media on a range of topics relevant to Australianmotorists. This included road safety, petrol prices, roadfunding, Luxury Car Tax, keys2drive, vehicle safety andAustralian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP). A list ofAAA media releases is shown below.Communications programs have also been developed,in consultation with Constituents, to support publicreleases and events for AAA, ANCAP and AusRAPactivities, with Clubs taking a complementary rolein dealing with the media. These communicationstrategies include AusRAP, keys2drive, Australia’s BestCars, Climate Change and ANCAP, as well as a broadAAA Communications Strategy.ANCAP’s activities and role as a consumer advocatewas recognised with an approach from the Departmentof Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Developmentand Local Government entering into a partnershipagreement to promote ESC. Accordingly, ANCAP hasfacilitated production of a DVD, placement of print adsin national media targeting women, conduct of MediaOpen Days with an emphasis on ESC and advertisingon the Autochic website, Australia’s leading femaleautomotive site.AAA also established a Communication ManagersGroup (CMG) in late 2007, which oversees a rangeof internal and external communication activities. TheCMG comprises Corporate Communication and MediaManagers from constituent Clubs, and has been activein providing advice to the Public Policy Forum and theBoard on a range of AAA events/activities. The CMGreports through the PPF.10 Australian Automobile Association

AAA ActivitiesAAA also hosted a dinner for Press Gallery media inFebruary 2008 to update them on AAA activities andfurther build relationships with senior journalists andcorrespondents.Federal Budget/AusLinkThe Federal Government’s May 2008 Budget provideda major boost for road infrastructure, establishingInfrastructure Australia and the Building AustraliaFund, allocating increased funding for Australian roadsand recognising the increasing problem of urbancongestion.During the four year period beginning 2008/09, theCommonwealth Government plans to invest $17.7billion in roads, an increase of $7.2 billion on theprevious four year period.The Budget confirmed the Government’s commitmentto establish Infrastructure Australia (IA). It hasallocated $20 million over four years for administrationof IA and to undertake a National Audit on the capacityof nationally significant infrastructure includingtransport, water, energy and communications.By March 2009, IA will deliver to the Council ofAustralian Governments an Infrastructure Priority Listwhich will help guide public and private investment.The Government will allocate an initial $20 billion toa Building Australia Fund. The Fund is expected to beoperating by 1 January 2009, with the first allocationsto be made in 2009-10.The Budget also allocated $17 million over five yearsfor the development of AAA’s driver training program,keys2drive.AAA issued a media release commenting on theBudget and published a detailed commentary on theBudget outcomes – all Clubs made media commenton funding for local projects in their State.Petrol PricesAAA was at the forefront of public comment through2007-08 in highlighting petrol prices and the marginsbetween world oil prices and domestic petrol prices,the disparity between metropolitan and regional petrolprice margins and the ACCC’s lack of action in itsprice monitoring role.The AAA advocacy was a factor in the Government’sappointment in February 2008 of a Federal PetrolCommissioner to operate within the AustralianCompetition and Consumer Commission.Public Policy Forum MeetingsThe Public Policy Forum (PPF), comprisingrepresentatives from all Constituents, is responsiblefor researching and developing policy proposalsand implementing Board decisions. PPF meetingswere conducted in July 2007, September 2007 andFebruary 2008.Topics addressed in the PPF meetings includedAusRAP, the Motoring Matters 2007 election strategy,vehicle emissions, petrol prices, the ProductivityCommission (PC) Inquiry into Road and Rail FreightInfrastructure Pricing, fuel tax reform, alternative fuels,UN Road safety week, driver education and climatechange.In conjunction with the PPF meetings, a meeting ofthe AusRAP Steering Committee is held which reviewsrecommendations from a Technical Working Groupand sets policy direction for AusRAP.Annual Report 2007 – 2008 11

AAA ActivitiesThe AAA Communication Managers Group also reportsthrough the PPF. The CMG provides advice on a rangeof strategic communication issues and developscommunication strategies and media plans to supportAAA and PPF activities. It met in August 2007, October2007, November 2007 (teleconference), January2008, February 2008 and April 2008.The CMG provided major input and advice to PPFand the Board about communication aspects of theClimate Change statement.Australian Road Patrol Skills ShowcaseAAA and the Clubs conducted the first AustralianRoad Patrol Skills Showcase, allowing the Clubs’road patrols to demonstrate their on-the-job skillsand expertise. The roadside patrol officers comparedtheir skills in a range of roadside situations includingflat tyres, unlocking vehicles (with and withouttechnology), battery condition and diagnosis andrepairing engine faults.The Showcase provided the motoring clubs with anopportunity to exchange information on their roadsideservice patrols and to test the skills of their officers. Anumber of Best Practice Awards were presented to thepatrol officers.Road Service ManagersThe 2007 Road Service Managers’ conference washosted by the RACV and held on 23-24 October inMelbourne. The conference identified a number ofareas for additional action and cooperation and themost significant issues identified were:• Development of consistent OH&S procedures forroad patrols; and• Development of a long-term strategy forsustainable road service networks in metropolitan,regional and rural Australia.A national road patrol OH&S manual was presented tothe 2007 Road Service Managers’ conference.Media ReleasesAAA issued 42 media releases in 2007-08:4.6.2008 AAA Calls On Bracks Review To Make CarsGreen3.6.2008 Fossil Fuels To Power Vehicles To 205023.5.2008 AAA Director Technical ServicesAppointment22.5.2008 FIA to Speak at Climate Change Summit19.5.2008 Reduce Protection for Car Industry13.5.2008 Budget Tackling Congestion and Safety11.5.2008 AAA Questions Luxury Car Tax9.5.2008 Report Shows Road Investment Saves Lives1.5.2008 AAA Welcomes keys2drive Funding22.4.2008 AAA Climate Change Summit22.4.2008 Root and Branch Tax Review Must IncludeFuel Tax18.4.2008 2020 Summit Opportunity to End NationalTragedy14.4.2008 Roadside Patrols Showcasing Their Service9.4.2008 AAA Welcomes Airport Parking PriceMonitoring12 Australian Automobile Association

AAA Activities30.3.2008 Working Families Pay Less for Petrol onCheap Tuesday27.3.2008 Governments Should Purchase 4-Star Utes9.3.2008 Governments Should Move To Safer VehicleFleets6.3.2008 AAA Rejects Call For Carbon Tax27.2.2008 AAA Calls for a Long-Term Outlook22.2.2008 AAA on the Road to Greener Motoring17.2.2008 AAA Welcomes ACCC Petrol Commissioner28.1.2008 AAA Supports Fitting of ESC24.1.2008 Motoring Clubs’ “Please Explain” on PetrolPrices22.1.2008 Consumers Should Demand Safety Features14.1.2008 Road Deaths Up in 2007 - Time for UrgentAction31.12.2007 Australia Lagging on Road Safety Targets18.12.2007 AAA Welcomes Government Decision onPetrol Prices17.12.2007 AAA Motoring Clubs Commit to CarbonClean Up10.12.2007 AAA Star Rates Roads for Safety6.12.2007 Mondeo Australia’s Best Mid-size Car22.11.2007 AAA Welcomes keys2drive Initiative9.11.2007 AAA Welcomes keys2drive Initiative8.11.2007 More Funds for Black Link Roads22.10.2007 Motorists Support P-Plate Restrictions10.10.2007 Motorists Don’t Want Toll Roads4.10.2007 AAA Welcomes Road Funds for BruceHighway10.9.2007 Australian Motorists’ Concerns10.9.2007 Motoring Matters for Every Australian31.8.2007 AAA Welcomes Five Star Result for Impreza7.8.2007 AAA Welcomes Small Car Safety Ratings26.7.2007 NZ Fuel Taxes To Go To Roads9.7.2007 Australian Motorists Miss Out On SafetyFeaturesParliamentary Visits ProgramIn 2007-08, the successful Parliamentary VisitsProgram (PVP) was facilitated by AAA for the fourthsuccessive year with all motoring clubs participating.AAA and the Clubs have developed effectiverelationships with Members of Parliament andadvisers, due in large part to the successful operationof the PVP.A total of more than 100 direct face-to-face meetingswith parliamentarians were facilitated during theperiod. These meetings also allowed an opportunityfor politicians and advisers to canvass a broader crosssection of opinions.The availability and participation in the PVP of manysenior Club representatives – including Presidents,Board Members, Chief Executives and Public PolicyManagers – assisted in facilitating access to seniorCabinet Ministers and advisers.AAA was able to use the PVP networks to lobby allparties running into the 2007 election campaign,launching its election strategy – Motoring Matters…for Every Australian – which detailed national priorityprojects and initiatives to improve road safety andeconomic outcomes for the nation and Australianmotorists.Motoring Clubs utilised and adapted the electionstrategy to add to their own initiatives and statespecificpriority road projects for presentation toparliamentarians.Review of Australian Automotive IndustryAAA presented a detailed submission to the FederalGovernment’s Review of the Australian AutomotiveIndustry arguing for a continuation of reduced tariffAnnual Report 2007 – 2008 13

AAA Activitieslevels and calling on the industry to make greenervehicles. Tariff assistance works against the objectivesof the AAA, which include promoting responsible,affordable and safe motoring and safeguarding andprotecting the interests of Australian motorists.AAA’s Director of Research and Policy, John Metcalfe,appeared before the Review Panel, headed by formerVictorian Premier Steve Bracks, to present AAA’sposition.AAA Submissions on Behalf of MembersAAA represents the views of Constituent clubs andtheir 6.5 million members on a range of motoringissues. In 2007-08, AAA presented submissions andappeared before a number of government committeeinquiries and reviews, including:Submission to the Review of the Automotive IndustryAAA’s submission to the Review of the AutomotiveIndustry argues that assistance to the Australianmotor vehicle industry increases the price of new carsand, indirectly, used cars and as such disadvantagesAustralian motorists. This assistance works againstthe objectives of the AAA, which include promotingresponsible, affordable and safe motoring andsafeguarding and protecting the interests of Australianmotorists.Submission to the Garnaut Climate Change ReviewThis submission is in response to the issues raised intwo papers published by the Garnaut Climate ChangeReview: “Issues Paper – Forum 5, Transport, Planningand Built Environment” and “Emissions TradingScheme Discussion Paper.” The Australian AutomobileAssociation (AAA) welcomes the opportunity to providethis submission to the Review.Federal Budget Submission 2008-09From a budgetary perspective, the key areas ofinterest for AAA in 2008-09 relate to an extension of,and adequate funding for AusLink; confirmation of anelection commitment to fund a driver training program,keys2drive; and a desire for Government to considerreform of fuel taxation.Submission to NTC’s 2007 Heavy Vehicle ChargesDeterminationIn this Submission AAA responds to the DraftRegulatory Impact Statement (RIS) Volume, on HeavyVehicle Charges Determination to the NTC, 2007.Submission to the ACCC Petrol Price Inquiry, 2007In this submission the AAA discusses issues of petrolbecoming less affordable, petrol price increases, longterm and short term price fluctuations and higherpetrol prices in regional areas.SafetyAustralasian New Car Assessment Program(ANCAP)AAA is an active member of ANCAP, which hascontinued to build on its role as the leadingindependent advocate for consumers on vehicle safetythrough regular reporting on crash test results for awide range of vehicles. In 2007-08, ANCAP conductedtests on family cars, small cars, 4 wheel drives, lightcommercial vehicles and people movers, providingsafety information and a star rating for occupantprotection and pedestrian safety.Star ratings varied across vehicles and attractedsignificant publicity within the automotive industry andthe broader public.14 Australian Automobile Association

AAA ActivitiesANCAP incorporated as a company in July 2006, withAAA represented on the Board. The ANCAP Board,which oversee strategic direction, met in September2007 and June 2008, with a Board Planning Dayconducted in March 2008. The ANCAP Council, whichoversee ANCAP’s operational activities, met in October2007 and February 2008.ANCAP also restructured its Communications Group inearly 2008 to incorporate greater media and marketingexpertise, and redrafted the ANCAP CommunicationsStrategy.ANCAP conducted a number of successful MediaOpen Days in December 2007 and January and Mayin 2008. These Open Days provided journalists withthe opportunity to test drive cars with and without ESC,to tour Crashlab, view an ANCAP crash test and to bebriefed on ANCAP’s activities.ANCAP Reviewed its strategic direction during early2008 – which included recasting the ANCAP StrategicPlan following the Board Planning Day and therestructure of its Communications Group.keys2driveAAA has developed and is implementing an innovativedriver training program, keys2drive, which allows learnerdrivers to receive a free lesson from an accrediteddriving instructor along with their supervising driver.This program received the support of both the FederalGovernment and the Opposition in the 2007 Federalelection campaign. The Federal Government provided$17 million in funds over five years in its 2008 Budgetfor development and implementation of the program,with AAA acting as the lead agent in the program.Development and implementation of the keys2driveprogram is being undertaken through a range of partiesand consultants, including a keys2drive developmentgroup, AAA’s Communication Managers Group, AAA’sMarketing and Managers Group and consultants DriverSafety Services.InfrastructureAustralian Road Assessment Program(AusRAP)AusRAP is an initiative of AAA and Constituents, usingdata from State Government road and traffic agencies.It assesses and rates Australian roads using twoprotocols – risk mapping of casualty crashes and a starrating system using an internationally recognised RoadProtection Score (RPS).AusRAP released the final link in its ratings of theAusLink national network, which covered star ratings forthe national highway in NSW, in December 2007.The report attracted significant media and stakeholderattention nationally and regionally. Promotion of thereport was complemented by a national radio campaignwhich ran in all States and Territories in late 2007 andearly 2008.The AusRAP reports are being increasingly recognisedamong government, industry, the media andstakeholders. State and Territory road authorities haveprovided valuable technical advice and data for use andanalysis under the program.AAA’s Research Manager attended meetings of theInternational Road Assessment Program (IRAP) andthe European Road Assessment Program (EuroRAP)to discuss activities, ensure consistency of processesbetween programs and to exchange information.Annual Report 2007 – 2008 15

AAA ActivitiesAusRAP reports issued through 2007-08 are: April08 – Comparing Risk Maps and Star Ratings; StarRatings for Queensland Country Highways; February08 – Star Ratings for Victorian Country Highways;December 07 – Rating Queensland Highways for Risk;Star Rating the AusLink National Network in NSW;Brunswick Heads to Yelgun (NSW) A Case Study inRoad Safety; July 07 – Rating Australia’s NationalNetwork for Risk.EnvironmentAAA Climate Change StatementThe AAA Board agreed to the development and launchof a major Climate Change policy statement at itsAugust 2007 meeting. This statement was intendedto provide leadership and advocacy in the climatechange debate on behalf of motoring members.AAA and the Clubs worked closely together to producethe statement – On the Road to Greener Motoring– and a series of associated activities. These activitiesincluded the conduct of a Climate Change summitin Canberra in June 2008, featuring Australian andinternational speakers, including; the Federal Ministerfor Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Developmentand Local Government, Hon. Anthony Albanese andFIA Foundation Director-General David Ward.In addition, the Clubs committed to conduct audits oftheir own carbon footprint and to reduce the carbonemissions of their roadside patrol vehicle fleets.Federal Government’s Carbon PollutionReduction SchemeAAA provided a detailed paper and lobbied the FederalGovernment over its proposed Emissions TradingScheme (ETS), arguing for fuel to be included in anETS, provided fuel taxation is reformed.It also provided a submission responding to the issuesraised in two papers published by the Garnaut ClimateChange Review – “Issues Paper – Forum 5, Transport,Planning and Built Environment” and “EmissionsTrading Scheme Discussion Paper”.International RelationsFIA Conference WeekDelegates from AAA and Constituent motoring clubsattended the FIA Conference Week and FIA WorkingGroup sessions in Lucerne, Switzerland, in May 2008.Delegates from more than 50 countries attended theinternational conference.AAA used the Week to conduct a number of formaland informal meetings, including:• Region 2 Club representatives; and• FIA Director-General for Mobility.Commissions included Legal and Consumer Affairs,Road Safety and Mobility, Tourism, Road Assistance,and Marketing. The FIA Foundation also presented onthe “Make Roads Safe” campaign.FIA Working GroupThe Executive Director was nominated to the FIAWorking Group examining the FIA statutes. This Groupmet in January 2008 at short notice and again inJune 2008.16 Australian Automobile Association

AAA ActivitiesFIA Region 2 ActivitiesAAA is an active member of the FIA Region 2, providingleadership and support for a range of activitiesthroughout the Asia-Pacific area. This included ameeting of the Region 2 Executive Committee inFebruary 2008 to look at a number of issues, includingsupport for inactive clubs in the region, identifyingcommercial opportunities and the promotion ofroad safety programs, particularly road assessmentprograms.The AAA Executive Director represented Australia at thecentenary celebrations of the Automobile Association ofSingapore in October 2007.Global Roundtable ResponseAAA co-ordinates the participation of Club CEOs withCEOs of other national motoring organisations fromGreat Britain, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium,Canada, and the USA to share information andexperiences. Issues covered included competitivethreats, internet initiatives, levels of membership,environmental issues, traffic safety programs andtelematics among others.World Roads CongressThe World Roads Congress (also known as PIARC)was held in Paris in September 2007 – the RACV CEOis President of the PIARC and Chaired the meeting.Strategic themes included climate change, disastermitigation, congestion and modal choice, innovation andtechnology and better governance.World Congress on ITSAAA was represented at the 14th World Congresson Intelligent Transport Systems in Beijing, China, inOctober 2007. This meeting provided an opportunityfor a dialogue between AAA and some of the Chinesemotoring clubs on issues such as FIA connections,Region 2 activities, and possible collaborative initiativesbetween Chinese and Australian clubs.International Motoring DocumentsThe AAA – through its affiliation with the AIT/FIA andas the only authorised association in Australia – offersthrough the Constituent motoring clubs a variety ofinternational motoring products which allow individualsthe freedom to travel independently overseas with aminimum of formalities. These products include:International Driving Permits (IDP)An IDP translates an Australian Driving Licence into aninternationally recognised format, verifying the categoryand validity into nine different languages. The IDP alsoprovides additional photo identification. There were187,682 IDPs issued in 2007-08.Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD)A CPD, or Carnet, is simply a vehicle “passport” whichincludes all vehicle details and allows entry into manycountries around the world without lengthy delays andthe need to pay duties at each border. Around 400vehicles are temporarily imported into Australia annuallyand the AAA guarantees to the Australian CustomsService to pay duties for these vehicles if they are notre-exported within the 12-month expiry period. The AAAissued 105 Carnets for vehicles leaving Australia in2007-08.Camping Card International (CCI)A CCI is a useful and widely recognised documentthroughout Europe and Africa at camping and caravansites. The CCI provides insurance cover for financialmembers for bodily injury to third parties. Clubs issued266 CCIs in 2007-08.Annual Report 2007 – 2008 17

AAA Staff(l-r) Greg Smith (Research Manager), Karen Smith (Research & Policy Officer), Paul Scott (Manager Government Relations), PeppinaSorbara (International Documents Officer), John Metcalfe (Director Research and Policy), Margaret Blacklock (Accounts Officer), MikeHarris (Executive Director), Kirsti Donovan (Office Assistant), Craig Newland (Director Technical Services), Julie Anderson (LiaisonManager), Allan Yates (Communications Manager).18 Australian Automobile Association

AAA Graphs and StatisticsMonthly average capital capital city fuel prices city (cpl) fuel prices (cpl)2001901801701601501401301201101009080706050403020100Feb-99Jun-99Oct-99Feb-00Jun-00Oct-00Feb-01Jun-01Oct-01Feb-02Jun-02Oct-02Feb-03Jun-03Oct-03Feb-04Jun-04Oct-04Feb-05Jun-05Oct-05Feb-06Jun-06Oct-06Feb-07Jun-07Oct-07Feb-08Jun-08Oct-08Diesel Unleaded Premium LPGSource: AAA analysis of FUELtrac dataAverage Capital City Petrol Prices, 2004-08 (cpl)Average Capital City Petrol Prices, 2004-08 (cpl)180.0160.0140.0120.0100.080.060.040.020.00.0Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Source: AAA analysis of FUELtrac dataAnnual Report 2007 – 2008 19

AAA Graphs and StatisticsRoad Death Rate Against National Road Safety Strategy TargetRoad Fatality Rate Against National Road Safety Strategy Target (Fatalities per 100,000 population)(Deaths per 100,000 population)10.09.08.07.0AustraliaActual rateJuly 2008: 7.36.0Pro rata target rateJuly 2008: 6.45.0National targetDec-00Dec-01Dec-02Dec-03Dec-04Dec-05Dec-06Dec-07Dec-08Dec-09Dec-10Source: AAA analysis of Department of Infrastructure data20 Australian Automobile Association