THE ‘Safe Seats, Safe Kids’ program has been successful in Hamilton over the past three years but a lack of funding from the State Government could jeopardise its future.

The program which is delivered in partnership from Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (NHV) and Kidsafe, has provided free child car restraint checks for people in regional communities across the state.

‘Safe Seats, Safe Kids’ was initially funded for a three-year period but has now expired, and the program requires more funding to continue into next year.

However, the government’s budget plan hasn’t included any funding which could spell the end of the program, putting more children at a greater risk.

Hamilton Community House networker, Debra King, said she hoped to see the beneficial program continue into the future.

“The ‘Safe Seats, Safe Kids’ program is the best program for travel safety of bubs and children that parents, grandparents or carers can make an appointment for,” she said.

“The checks are performed by accredited fitters who ensure child car restraints are installed and being used correctly.”

Ms King said the visiting service has also educated local families about what to check to make sure their child is safe in the car for every trip.

“These easily-booked checks provide peace of mind, safe secure seating and support, advice and knowledge - all bundled into a visiting service to our community,” she said.

The program has been successfully run by Neighbourhood Houses across the state, with 13,993 checks being completed during 2022-23 alone – just 1105 of the restraints in this time were found to be correctly installed and fitted.

NHV chief executive, Keir Paterson, told The Spectator that he could confidently say the program “has saved lives”.

“We’re calling on the government to fund the program for another three years ... it has now run out of funding which we have been highlighting for the State Government since it finished in June,” he said.

“There are 400 Neighbourhood Houses around Victoria so this program has made it a lot easier for people in regional areas.

“Unfortunately, from January, there will be no one running this program … so we’re asking for it to be reflected in the next state budget in May.”

Lowan MP Emma Kealy slammed the lack of funding in the plan, arguing that the numbers “do the talking for themselves”.

“Premier Allan’s decision to cut critical road safety initiatives on Victoria’s already crumbling roads is putting our children’s lives at risk and is further evidence that she can’t manage money and she can’t manage projects,” she said.

“I am calling on the Allan Labor Government to immediately make the funding available to continue this program to ensure the safety of our most precious resource – our children.”