The Victorian government's ambitious Distracted Driver and Seatbelt Detection Program, aimed at enhancing road safety through AI-powered cameras, has faced a barrage of criticism in a scathing audit report. The report, conducted by the Victorian Auditor-General's Office (VAGO), exposes a multitude of issues that cast doubt on the program's effectiveness and raise concerns about its overall impact on road safety.
One of the most striking findings is the program's inability to provide concrete evidence of its success. The audit analyzed a vast amount of data, including 308 camera sites, 160,754 camera hours, and 188,493 infringements related to mobile phone use and seatbelt violations between July 2023 and September 2025. However, the report concluded that it is 'not clear how much the program is contributing to road safety.' This lack of clarity is further exacerbated by the department's failure to collect baseline data on accidents, injuries, and deaths related to these issues before the program's implementation, making it impossible to accurately measure its impact.
The audit also highlights a concerning trend in the program's administration. The Department of Justice and Community Safety, responsible for overseeing the program, has been inconsistent in its reporting and expectations. They have not consistently measured or reported on the program's performance, making it challenging to assess its long-term effectiveness. This inconsistency raises questions about the program's transparency and accountability.
Privacy breaches and data accuracy are additional concerns. The report reveals that the program's camera operator, Jenoptik, changed its archiving software after being found in breach of regulations, indicating potential privacy issues. Furthermore, the self-reporting system used by Jenoptik to ensure data accuracy is deemed unreliable, as the department is not adequately managing the risk of inaccurate data.
The audit's findings are particularly damning given Victoria's ambitious road safety goals. The state had planned to spend $28.3 million on next-generation cameras capable of detecting various traffic violations, including speeding, red-light offenses, and seatbelt violations. However, with the program's effectiveness in doubt and the number of road deaths in Victoria increasing, the future of this costly initiative is now in question.
In response to the audit, the Department of Justice and Community Safety has requested changes from the VAGO team regarding the representation of research estimates as targets. Victoria Police has also acknowledged the need for improved governance processes in identifying camera sites and has committed to enhancing the integrity of the program. However, these responses may be too little too late, as the program's credibility and public trust have already been significantly damaged.
This audit serves as a stark reminder that the implementation of advanced technologies like AI in public safety initiatives must be accompanied by robust data collection, transparency, and accountability. The Victorian government must address these issues promptly to ensure that future investments in road safety are effective and justified.
