Transport Accident Commission

Serving Victoria, Australia Since 1987

Our Mission

What We Do

The TAC is a Victorian Government-owned organisation set up to pay for treatment and benefits for people injured in transport accidents, promote road safety and improve Victoria's trauma system.


Core Functions

  • Pay benefits to and support those injured in transport accidents
  • Develop public education campaigns to help reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads
  • Fund treatment and support services for people injured in transport accidents
  • Reduce the incidence and cost of transport accidents
  • Improve Victoria's trauma system

History of the TAC

1971

Foundation of Accident Compensation

Victoria established the Road Accident Hospital Accounts Committee (RAHAC), pioneering the concept of providing care regardless of who was at fault in an accident ("no fault" benefits).

1974

Motor Accidents Board Established

On 12 February 1974, the Motor Accidents Board (MAB) was established, enshrining the no-fault concept into law and allowing payment of medical expenses and weekly income payments until the accident victim's common law claim was settled.

1980

Life-Long Benefits Introduced

For accidents on or after 1 September 1980, no-fault benefits continued for life where there was no common law entitlement.

1986

Transport Accident Act Passed

The Victorian Parliament passed the Transport Accident Act 1986 with support from both major parties, establishing a new compensation scheme.

1987

TAC Officially Established

The Transport Accident Commission officially began operations on 1 January 1987, combining no-fault and common law benefits to provide comprehensive coverage for Victorians.

1989

Major Road Safety Campaigns Begin

The TAC launched powerful road safety public education campaigns, including the famous "If you drink, then drive, you're a bloody idiot" slogan.

1992

TAC Cup Established

The TAC became the major sponsor of the quasi-national under-18s Australian Rules Football league, known as the TAC Cup.

2016

Project Graham

The TAC commissioned the lifelike figure depicting what a human would look like if the species evolved to survive car crashes.

Major Projects & Initiatives

1989

Public Education Campaigns

Launched powerful road safety campaigns emphasizing the personal costs of dangerous driving practices, including speeding and drink-driving, using emotive, educational and enforcement-based themes.

1992

TAC Cup

Became the major sponsor of the quasi-national under-18s Australian Rules Football league, promoting road safety to young athletes and their communities.

1994-2000

AFL Partnership - Essendon

Sponsored Essendon Football Club with the "Don't fool yourself, speed kills" campaign, reaching AFL audiences with crucial road safety messages.

2002-2006

AFL Partnership - Collingwood

Sponsored Collingwood Football Club with the "Wipe off 5" message, continuing the AFL partnership initiative for road safety education.

2009

Video Game Advertising

Began in-game advertising in Saint's Row 2 and Trackmania Nations, featuring TAC slogans on banners. GTA IV included a homage to the "bloody idiot" slogan.

2016

Project Graham

Commissioned the lifelike figure depicting what a human would look like if the species evolved to survive car crashes, creating a powerful visual for road safety awareness.

Ongoing

How Safe Is Your Car

Set up a dedicated website to promote life-saving in-car technologies such as Electronic Stability Control and curtain airbags, encouraging car buyers to ask for these features.

Ongoing

MAFMAD Initiative

Make a film. Make a difference - encouraging community members to create their own road safety videos and share them online.

Famous TAC Slogans

"If you drink, then drive, you're a bloody idiot" (1989-2011)
"Only a little bit over? You bloody idiot" (2011)
"Don't fool yourself, speed kills" (1994-2013)
"Wipe off 5" (2013)
"Belt up, or suffer the pain"
"Take a break, fatigue kills"
"It's in your hands, concentrate or kill"
"Country people die on country roads"

Key Facts

About the TAC

Established: 1 January 1987

Legislation: Transport Accident Act 1986

Employees: 947 (as of June 2018)

Funding: Compulsory payments from Victorian motorists when registering vehicles with VicRoads

Ownership: Victorian Government-owned state enterprise

Minister Responsible: Minister for Roads and Road Safety


Key Documents:

  • Transport Accident Act 1986
  • Transport Accident Regulations 2017