This article was taken from the ACRS Weekly Alert No. 400.

It was with great sadness that the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) learned of the passing of former Governor-General Major General Michael Jeffery on 18 December 2020. While Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia from 2003 to 2008, Major General the Honourable Philip Michael Jeffery AC AO (Mil) CVO MC (Retired) was also Patron of the Australasian College of Road Safety. Major General Jeffery’s 60 years of dedicated service to his country also included serving as Governor of Western Australia (1993-2000) and a distinguished career in the Australian Army (1953-1992).

Former ACRS President, John Lauchlan McIntosh AM FACRS FAICD FAusIMM, was President during Major General Jeffery’s patronage. He offered the following remembrance: The College greatly appreciated and was honoured by his patronage. He was available for consultation and advice. He was quoted often, especially his conclusion regarding road trauma “Take the mortality rate alone – if a similar statistic applied to Australians in battle, the public outcry would galvanise the country into action”.

Mr McIntosh went on to say, “He personally encouraged me as the then President of the College, when presenting me with the Membership of the Order of Australia, to continue to work for reducing road trauma.  As His Excellency said in 2006: “The contributions of the College and kindred motoring and road safety organisations have triggered the dramatic drop in per capita crash rates in Australia over the past 30 years.” That work with the College and others has continued strongly, resulting in a significant lift in resources and commitment by the Federal and State Governments, made this year, to reduce road deaths in Australia by 50% by 2030.”

“His Excellency’s understanding and recognition of the multi-faceted processes needed in reducing road trauma and his support for the College’s work and for me personally, will be well remembered.” concluded Mr McIntosh.

Official State Funeral Announcement here.

Have a comment? Leave a reply