Federal plan to cut rural speed limits sparks backlash over funding gaps and road safety trade-offs.

A federal proposal to lower rural road speed limits—down to 70 km/h on unsealed roads and 70–90 km/h on sealed roads—has drawn sharp criticism from Coalition politicians and rural groups. They argue the move unfairly targets rural communities already facing a $3,300 per km shortfall in federal road funding, calling it a lazy substitute for needed infrastructure investment. Critics, including Nationals leader David Littleproud and Liberal figure Dan Tehan, say the plan shifts blame to drivers while ignoring deteriorating road conditions. Rural transport and farming groups warn the changes could increase freight costs, delay livestock deliveries, and harm small operators. The proposal is part of a national safety strategy aiming to cut road deaths by 50% by 2030, but opponents fear it may justify further cuts to road maintenance budgets. Submissions on the plan are due soon.