Expert panel to support South Australian road safety

Friday 6 February 2026

Former South Australian Governor Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN will chair a newly established road safety committee, as the State Government strengthens its commitment to reduce lives lost and serious injuries on South Australian roads.

The Road Safety Governance Committee replaces the Road User Safety Advisory Committee, established in 2019, following a broader review of the state’s road safety governance arrangements.

The Committee will be independently chaired by Rear Admiral (retired) the Honourable Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN, who brings a distinguished record of independent leadership across public service, education and governance.

Mr Scarce’s leadership roles in the higher education and research sectors have also given him a deep appreciation for evidence-based policy and the importance of drawing on expert advice – an approach that aligns with the Committee’s role in guiding road safety investment, campaigns and behavioural change initiatives.

Minister for Police Blair Boyer has appointed six members to the Committee, building a panel of some of the state’s most trusted experts to represent the regulatory, enforcement, research, transport and public education sectors of road safety.

The Committee consists of the following members:

  • Rear Admiral (retired) the Honourable Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN (chair)
  • Charles Mountain, Senior Manager Road Safety, RAA
  • Dr Lisa Wundersitz, Associate Professor at the Centre for Automotive Safety Research, Adelaide University
  • Grant Stevens, Commissioner of Police, SAPOL
  • Jon Whelan, Chief Executive, Department for Infrastructure and Transport
  • Jessica Adamson, expertise in public awareness campaigns.

The new Committee will have a stronger role in guiding and advising the State Government when planning and funding road safety initiatives, including road safety campaigns.

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport will support the Committee’s operation by providing coordination and administrative assistance.

Sadly, 87 lives were lost on South Australian roads last year and 784 people were seriously injured. So far this year, 12 lives have been lost.

The committee will meet for the first time this year in the coming months.

Quotes attributable to Rear Admiral the Honourable Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN (Ret):

Improving road safety requires clear thinking, strong collaboration and willingness to confront difficult issues.

I look forward to working with our Committee and the State Government to provide independent, evidence-based advice that helps saves lives and reduce serious injuries on South Australian roads.