The family of a motorcyclist killed in an accident on the Western Highway has released a statement asking for privacy and compassion, while requesting his death not be used for “political agendas”. 

What happened? Peter Mason, aged 71, was travelling on a stretch of the Western Highway in Trawalla when his bike reportedly struck a pothole. Emergency services responded, but Mason died at the scene. 

Also known as Tiki, Mason was a retired spray painter and president of the Eureka Social Riders, a social hobby group for local motorcyclists. 

Statement from family: Mason’s family issued a statement on Thursday, emphasising it would be their only public comment on the matter. 

“There are no words to express the heartbreak our family is experiencing following the sudden and devastating loss of Peter Mason”, said the statement.

“He was a much-loved member of our family and a friend to many. His loss has left an enormous hole in our lives, and we are struggling to come to terms with a life taken far too soon.” 

The family also said that “Peter was so much more than the circumstances of his death”, and that they are “aware of the public interest surrounding the circumstances of Peter’s death, including the condition of the road where the incident occurred.” 

The family welcomed changes that could prevent further tragedy, but said they “do not want Peter's death used to promote political agendas, and we ask that no one speak on behalf of our family or claim to represent our views”. 

“We ask that any reporting about Peter be respectful, factual and sensitive. Peter was a person, not a headline. Please remember him for the life he lived, the people he loved and the memories he leaves behind.”

“Our family respectfully asks the media and public to give us the privacy, compassion and space we need to grieve.”

The politics: After Mason's death, both major parties were quick to issue statements. Jess Wilson, leader of the opposition, called a press conference the following morning calling the accident “avoidable” and linking it to issues with the state government's infrastructure projects under the Big Build. 

Premier Ben Carroll said it was a “tragic loss of life”, and told ABC Radio Melbourne that he accepted responsibility for the condition of the roads, stating “the buck does stop with us”.