Maddie Bott

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads) (18:28): In February 2021 Maddie Bott's life changed in an instant, as it did for all the family and friends of Ethan Hunter and Mark Fenton. Ethan and Mark's lives were tragically cut short at a level crossing crash on a private road at Eurabba Lane near Bribbaree. Maddie launched a petition to drive improved safety at all level crossings. She brought together so many families across Australia in her fight. The petition of over 20,000 signatures was presented in this place in 2021, calling for all level crossings to be made safer, including making warning lights on trains mandatory. Very sadly, there have been a number of level crossing fatalities in recent months in New South Wales and around Australia. There will be a Federal round table on 6 March. Every death at a level crossing is one too many. I thank Maddie for her advocacy. My thoughts and the thoughts of everyone in this Chamber will be with her on 23 February. We will continue to work on this issue.