A large group of motorcyclists and concerned citizens gathered at the steps of Victoria’s State Parliament on Sunday to demand urgent government action addressing dangerous road conditions, following several fatal accidents attributed to potholes and road defects. The protest highlighted recent deaths on Victorian roads, including that of motorcyclist Mr Mason, who was killed on September 13.
Organizers, including Mr White and Mr Pohv, addressed the crowd, which filled Spring and Bourke streets, expressing frustration and grief over the ongoing issue. "We’re not here because we’re happy," Mr White said. "We want our politicians to become decent human beings and fix the problem that is killing Victorians." The rally focused on the nonpartisan nature of the concern, emphasizing safety over political affiliation.
Among the victims mentioned was John Hogarth, who died two years ago riding the Western Freeway near Gordon on Good Friday. Hogarth’s sister, Ruth Hogarth, criticized Premier Ben Carroll’s response to these avoidable tragedies as insufficient. Describing his reaction as "lacklustre and pathetic," she called for an end to what she termed government vanity projects and demanded improved road infrastructure. "Victoria has become the country bumpkin of Australia in terms of roads and we’re tired of it," she said. Ruth Hogarth attended the rally with her daughter Paige, who wore her late uncle’s Harley Davidson shirt in tribute. Paige recalled the loss as profoundly personal, noting her uncle’s death occurred just two weeks before her wedding.
Mr White and Mr Pohv noted they had a 30-minute conversation with Premier Carroll earlier on Sunday but remained skeptical about the government’s commitment. "Too little, too late, unfortunately," Mr Pohv told the crowd. "Same team, different coach." They accused the administration of mismanaging funds and ignoring infrastructure needs despite Victoria’s wealth.
The rally included a minute’s silence for motorcyclists who died due to deteriorating road conditions, followed by chants urging officials to "fix the roads."
Premier Carroll addressed the issue from Treasury Place via phone call, acknowledging the challenges water damage poses to roads. He highlighted the government’s $1.4 billion investment in resurfacing as the largest ever in the state’s history. "I know I’ve got more to do, and that’s the message I’ve been given," Carroll said, pledging to improve safety.
Opposition leader Jess Wilson attended the rally and sharply criticized the Labor government’s handling of road infrastructure, accusing it of corruption and neglect. "The potholes are a direct consequence of a government that has failed to do the basics," Wilson said. She pledged accountability and contrasted her presence at the rally with Premier Carroll’s absence. Wilson was joined by Shadow Roads Minister Danny O’Brien and Liberal MPs Trung Luu and Wayne Farnham.
Sunday’s event marked the second rally organized at Parliament since Mr Mason’s death brought renewed attention to the dangerous state of Victoria’s roads and the urgent demand for effective government response.