Strengthening Asian language education

The Albanese Labor Government is setting up young Australians for success in future jobs and industries, through strengthened Asian language education.

Under the Fluency in Asian Languages program, the Albanese Government has announced $2.5 million of support for Asian language learning, shared between nine organisations across Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

The funding is part of the Governments $25 million Community Language Schools program and will support students in Years 7 to 12 build fluency in more than 15 Asian languages, strengthen cultural literacy and remain engaged in language learning.

These schools play a vital role in multicultural Australia, helping young people maintain connection to language, heritage and identity while developing skills that benefit the broader community and economy.

Beyond being a vital national capability, learning Asian languages also delivers significant personal benefits, helping young Australians build stronger connections to their cultural heritage, deepen their sense of identity and belonging, and develop the confidence to navigate multiple cultures

The funding will increase student participation and retention in Asian language learning through community language schools and strengthen the operational capability of schools, enabling them to support sustained and high‑quality language study. It will also support the development of curriculum and learning resources designed to strengthen community language education nationwide..

Languages being supported by grants include: Bengali, Burmese, Filipino, Gujarati, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Malayalam, Mandarin, Nepali, Punjabi, Sinhalese, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Yue (Cantonese).

These include projects by Macquarie University, The University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, and the Australian National University which will be of national benefit.

A sustained decline in Asian language learning has weakened Australia’s Asia capability, with consequences for our social cohesion and national interests. Strengthening this capability is an important priority for the Albanese Government.

Since 2023, the Australian Government has invested $40.6 million to support community language schools, highlighting the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties with Asia.

$5 million has been earmarked to community language schools take more students through to year 12 and achieve fluency.

This investment is essential to promoting Australia’s national interests globally and ensuring the future of Australia’s Asia capability.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong:

“Australia’s interests demand we engage in the region more consistently and more deeply.

“When young Australians learn Asian languages, they can build the trust, relationships and capability to engage in our region more effectively.

“This is all about giving the next generation of Australians the ability to succeed in the communities and region that will shape our nation’s future.”

Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Anne Aly:

“Community language schools are central to multicultural Australia, giving young people the opportunity to stay connected to their heritage while gaining skills that will benefit them for life.

“Language skills are a national asset. They create opportunity for young people, strengthen cultural understanding and help build the workforce Australia needs for the future.

“Community language schools make an extraordinary contribution to our nation, keeping language and culture alive while helping shape a more connected and capable Australia.”

Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill:

“Australia’s future prosperity depends on our ability to engage confidently with our region – the fastest-growing region in the world. At the election we committed to invest $5 million to support more students, regardless of their background, to become fluent in Asian languages throughout their high school years.

“This investment recognises the dedication of teachers, volunteers and families who work every week to keep languages, cultures and community connections strong.

“Having more Australians capable of speaking the languages of our largest trading partners and neighbours is a huge benefit to our nation, opening further employment opportunities and career paths for students, and growing economic ties with our friends and neighbours across our region.”

Big 4 banks are raking in billions off home loans

The big four banks – CBA, NAB, Westpac and ANZ – made a profit of $16.9 billion from owner-occupier home loans in 2025, new data by the Australia Institute shows. 

Over the life of an average 30 year owner-occupier mortgage, the big four banks make nearly $229,000 in profit. That’s just over $11,000 in the first year of a new loan, which equates to $926 each month or $214 per week. 

While owner-occupier loans make up 22.7% of the assets of the big four banks, profit on these loans made up 39.3%. The banks are disproportionately capitalising off owner-occupier mortgages. 

As anxious households await yet another potential interest rate hike, the NAB has announced half-yearly profits of $2.75 billion, while ANZ’s profits rose to $3.65 billion.

The Greens say the big banks are the real winners of Trump’s invasion-induced inflation spike, while owner-occupier borrowers pay the price. And it’s an especially big price for first home buyers.

Greens spokesperson for Finance, Housing and Homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“While households anxiously await another possible rate increase amid rising grocery and fuel prices, the banks are making a motza off the housing crisis and fuel inflation.

“Millions of people are already in mortgage stress, caught in a painful cost of living and housing crisis. Another rate increase will punish households already doing it tough and not the billionaires and big corporations who are profiting off inflation. 

“Anyone with a mortgage with one of the big banks is helping accelerate massive bank profits, while millions of renters cop it through unfair rent rises. 

“Hard working Australians are looking at the big banks’ obscene profits and asking: how is this fair?

“Every time the RBA puts interest rates up, mortgage holders and renters pay the price, while the big banks increase profits directly out of the pockets of owner-occupiers and first-home buyers. 

“For decades the major banks have made enormous profits price-gouging on people’s mortgages, contributing to the pain of inflation.

“Australians have had enough. They’re fed up with seeing the banks and wealthy property investors profit from a housing crisis, while wages aren’t keeping up with house prices and inflation.” 

Rate rise pain won’t be felt by the top 1%

Today’s interest rate rise will further entrench economic inequality and deliver more money into the pockets of the 1 per cent at the expense of renters and mortgage holders, the Greens say.

Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim:

“This is another kick in the teeth for mortgage holders and renters who are already being smashed by rising costs.”

“This will punish people who are suffering the most and are not responsible in any way for inflation, while the super rich who have cash in the bank will sit back and watch their wealth grow.”

“The top 1% will be popping the champagne corks at the extra money they’ve just been handed by the Reserve Bank and a Labor Government sitting on its hands.”

“Raising interest rates will not stop the war in the Persian Gulf and it will not bring fuel prices down. But it will send many Australian households to the wall.”

“There is plenty that Labor could do to put downward pressure on inflation, like making price gouging illegal and making the top 1% and big corporations pay their fair share of tax.”

Greens spokesperson for Finance, Housing and Homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock: 

“This is not the news homeowners needed to hear today. Millions of Australians are already in mortgage stress, already hurting in a cost of living crisis.

“Another rate hike is simply punishment for homeowners and more profit for the banks already raking it in on home loans. We need to tax the 1%, not hard working people.

“Rates hikes won’t fix the housing crisis but a government that treats housing as a human right will.”

New Lord Mayor of Newcastle confirmed

The NSW Electoral Commission has this afternoon declared the result of the local government by-election held on 18 April, with Gavin Morris elected Lord Mayor of Newcastle.
 
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge in February after 17 months in the role. 

Gavin Morris will take the affirmation of office on Tuesday 12 May in Council Chambers at the City Administration Centre.

Mr Morris will then chair the Development Application Committee Meeting, the first formal meeting of his term.

“This is an exciting time, and I look forward to leading this fabulous city, working with Councillors, staff, and the community,” Mr Morris said.

“I believe we can create an incredible future together.”

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the NSW Electoral Commission had to receive all postal votes before they could recognise the result today.

“Gavin Morris becomes Newcastle’s 16th Lord Mayor, following the Electoral Commission’s declaration of the results,” Mr Bath said.

“Staff have appreciated Gavin’s collaborative comments since winning the election and look forward to working with him as we continue to make Newcastle an even better city to live and work in. 

“With the by-election result being finalised, Charlotte McCabe has finished in the acting role, and we’ve greatly appreciated her leadership over the last six months and the positive impact her calm demeanour has had on staff and Councillors.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe reflected fondly on her time representing Newcastle during the period while the office of Lord Mayor was vacant. 

“I’m proud to have had the opportunity to take on the responsibilities of Lord Mayor over the last six months and help steer the elected Council through a period of uncertainty,” Cr McCabe said.

“The collaboration shown by those in the chamber meant we were able to continue operating effectively and without disruption to the community.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to represent Newcastle through my role as Deputy Lord Mayor, and Councillor for Ward One.”

The final cost of the by-election to City of Newcastle is $1,107,777. 

The by-election was not anticipated when the budget was adopted by Council in June 2025, which forecast a surplus of $258,000. 

Therefore, the cost will be added to the 2025/26 budget position when it is reviewed by Council in May. 

Minns Labor Government rejects Opposition bid to gut ‘good character’ reforms

The Minns Labor Government will not accept the Opposition’s attempts to water down nation-leading reforms to remove ‘good character’ as a mitigating factor at sentencing. 

The Opposition’s amendments lodged today would gut the bill and mean victim-survivors would still have to sit through the trauma of hearing their perpetrator described as a ‘good person’ in court.

The amendments would have the effect of removing good character for sexual offences. But they would otherwise retain ‘good character’ as a mitigating factor at sentencing and allow the court discretion as to whether they give this weight.

This means a court would still be able to find someone is of otherwise ‘good character’ despite them being convicted of offending that involves antisemitism like inciting racial hatred, domestic and family violence homicide or dangerous driving causing death.

Our nation-leading reforms announced earlier this year are designed to ensure offenders convicted of serious crimes cannot rely on character references to mitigate their sentence.

The legislation forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader agenda to strengthen protections for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and improve the integrity and consistency of sentencing outcomes across NSW.

Advocates, including road trauma victims and domestic violence survivors, have been calling for these changes for years, arguing the current system allows offenders to benefit from personal testimonials that are often irrelevant to the harm caused.

This NSW Sentencing Council made its position clear about this approach. They said giving courts this discretion would still leave good character operating as a mitigating factor and would not address many of the concerns raised in this review.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The Opposition’s attempt to gut the Minns Labor Government’s nation-leading reforms to ‘good character’ evidence at sentencing is disgraceful and insulting to victims.

“They want serious criminals involved in organised crime, domestic violence and murder to have their sentences mitigated because the Opposition says they are of ‘good character’.

“We will not be accepting the Opposition’s attempts to water down these vital reforms.

“The question for the Legislative Council is simple, whose side are they on? Are they on the side of victims, or are they on the side of perpetrators?”

Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrisonsaid:

“These reforms recognise the lived experience of victim-survivors and ensure the justice system does not compound their trauma.

“Good character references have too often been used to minimise or excuse serious violence, particularly in domestic and family violence cases.

“No victim should have to sit in a courtroom and hear the person who harmed them described as ‘a good person’ or ‘of strong character’.

“We will not support any changes that weaken these protections or take us backwards.

“This is about respect for victim-survivors and making sure the system reflects the seriousness of these crimes.”

Your Reference Ain’t Relevant Cofounder Harrison James said: 

“No survivor should have to sit in court and hear the person who harmed them praised for their so-called ‘good character’ after conviction. That should not be controversial.  

“To then see a watered-down version of this bill put forward as an alternative is deeply disappointing and genuinely disturbing.

“I have reached out to a number of members of the Coalition in good faith because I wanted to have a genuine discussion and offer the perspective of a victim-survivor who has fought for this reform for three and a half years. I have been met with silence.

“For victim-survivors like me, this feels like a slap in the face. We have carried this issue, spoken about our pain publicly, relived some of the worst moments of our lives, and pushed for change because we believed Parliament would listen.” 

NSW Government scientists take the lead against soil-borne diseases

Scientists from the NSW Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are taking the lead on multi-million-dollar research projects focussing on tackling soil-borne diseases that are costing Australian crop farmers more than a billion dollars a year.

The projects are part of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Soilborne Disease Initiative, a coordinated $34.6 million, five-year, Australia-wide research program. GRDC estimates soil-borne diseases cause $1.71 billion in lost grain production annually nationwide, including $1.23 billion in wheat alone.

The research projects are part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $1 billion biosecurity investment to protect and boost the economic growth of the state’s $25 billion primary industries sector.

The research, which is focused on fusarium crown rot in grains and cereals and Sclerotinia stem rot in broadleaf crops will provide growers with integrated disease management strategies to minimise yield loss and economic impacts.

Integrated disease management strategies could include a combination of crop rotation, stubble management, varietal disease tolerance, strategic fungicide use and novel strategies such as application of biological control agents.

  • Fusarium crown rot mainly affects winter cereal crops including wheat, barley, durum wheat and triticale and is a major issue in dryland farming systems across Australia, including NSW. It is estimated to cost growers in NSW and Queensland around $112 million annually.
  • Sclerotinia stem rot, often called “white mould”, is a major fungal disease that affects a range of broadleaf crops, particularly in higher rainfall or irrigated systems, including canola, chickpea, lupin, and faba bean. It is estimated to cost NSW southern region growers around $70 million annually.

The projects will also have a strong focus on skills transfer of research methodologies and capacity building to support the management of future soil-borne disease issues.

NSW DPIRD plant pathologist Dr Steven Simpfendorfer, a national expert on Fusarium crown rot, is leading the state’s contribution to that disease theme and DPIRD broadleaf crop pathologist Dr Kurt Lindbeck is leading the national theme on Sclerotinia stem rot.

The importance of managing soil-borne diseases has increased as growers adopt conservation cropping practices, in particular stubble retention, which has associated environmental benefits of reduced soil erosion, reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, increased water use efficiency, and improved drought resilience.

Soil-borne diseases also reduce nitrogen use efficiency, which not only increases the economic impact to farmers but also elevates greenhouse gas emissions through the need to apply more artificial fertiliser to compensate.

Recent crop vulnerability studies have highlighted that the impact of soil-borne diseases will increase further under future climate scenarios making this is a priority area for future sustainable land use and nature positive research.

Visit the GRDC website to learn more about the Soil-borne disease initiative.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“Cropping is worth $11.6 billion to the NSW economy, so this research partnership between the NSW Government and the Grains Research and Development Corporation is vital to provide growers with the knowledge and tools to tackle soil-borne diseases on their farms.

“This initiative will provide crop producers with the scientifically proven disease management strategies so they can remain productive as part of the state’s annual primary industries output worth $25.5 billion.

“These projects will bring wider benefits to the economic growth of NSW and maintain regional biosecurity expertise to respond to endemic and exotic crop disease issues.”

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Director Cropping Systems Guy McMullen said:

“NSW growers need regionally proven integrated disease management strategies so that soil-borne diseases do not become an economic barrier to continuing and further adoption of environmentally beneficial farming practices.

“Without such intervention, growers may have to resort to more aggressive stubble management practices such as burning and cultivation, which have associated negative impacts on the environment from soil erosion, air pollution through increased frequency of dust storms, and greenhouse gas emissions.

“The capacity building part of these projects is critical to ensuring the availability of expertise to respond to sporadic issues with endemic diseases and regional biosecurity capacity in the event of exotic incursions.”

Grains Research and Development Corporation Board Chair Sharon Starick said:

“Soil-borne diseases are responsible for more than half of total yield losses from disease in Australian grain crops.

“Through this initiative, GRDC will invest $20 million nationally, complemented by an additional $14 million from collaborating research partners.

“As part of the program, which builds on past research, we aim to equip Australian grain growers with practical, economic and innovative soil-borne disease management strategies that reduce the financial impact of these diseases on their farming businesses.”

Grains Research and Development Corporation Managing Director Nigel Hart said:

“We know this is a critical area for growers and advisers, which is why we have committed to bringing current and new research together in a highly effective multi-disciplinary way.

“By bringing together Australia’s leading researchers and communication and extension specialists, we’re ensuring growers and advisers have the information, support and confidence they need to adopt and implement new and improved disease management strategies.

“To help address the specific needs of the northern cropping regions, nodes will be developed in partnership with NSW DPIRD, University of Queensland, and the University of Southern Queensland.”

NSW mourns loss of Marine Rescue volunteers

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we mourn the loss of two brave Marine Rescue NSW crew members who have died in a tragic incident at Ballina.

Our emergency services are the first to rush to the rescue of people in danger and last night two of our courageous volunteers made the ultimate sacrifice.

Along with four of their crew mates, the volunteers were heading to the aid of a yacht in distress when their Marine Rescue NSW vessel capsized.

In difficult and dark conditions, additional emergency services then raced to their assistance.

Sadly, the mariner on board the yacht has also lost their life, and we offer our condolences to their family.

Four of the Marine Rescue crew are receiving medical treatment, and we give heartfelt thanks for their safety and their courage throughout these terrible events.

The loss of these members of our emergency services is a tragedy for their families and friends, as well as the communities they helped protect. It is a loss that is deeply felt across all our emergency services, especially throughout the Marine Rescue family.

My heart goes out to their loved ones and fellow crew members at the Marine Rescue Ballina unit. Our thoughts and thanks are also with the emergency service members who came together to assist them.

This is a very difficult and heart-breaking time for such a tight knit community.

Background:

Two Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from Ballina have lost their lives while coming to the aid of a stricken yacht on the State’s North Coast last night.

At approximately 6.15 pm on Monday evening, a Marine Rescue NSW crew from Ballina was responding to the distressed yacht off the South Ballina break wall when their boat capsized in heavy seas crossing the bar. The Marine Rescue NSW vessel had six crew members on board, four of whom made it to shore. Another person who was on board the yacht has also died.

Marine Rescue NSW is providing support to the volunteers’ families, unit members and rescue community through its wellbeing and chaplaincy services. Support for the community is also available through the 24/7 Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. For crisis support, call 13YARN (139 276) or Lifeline 13 11 14.

NSW Police will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Minister for Emergency Services will travel to Ballina this afternoon.

Celebrating generations of care on International Day of the Midwife

Scientists from the NSW Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are taking the lead on multi-million-dollar research projects focussing on tackling soil-borne diseases that are costing Australian crop farmers more than a billion dollars a year.

The projects are part of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Soilborne Disease Initiative, a coordinated $34.6 million, five-year, Australia-wide research program. GRDC estimates soil-borne diseases cause $1.71 billion in lost grain production annually nationwide, including $1.23 billion in wheat alone.

The research projects are part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $1 billion biosecurity investment to protect and boost the economic growth of the state’s $25 billion primary industries sector.

The research, which is focused on fusarium crown rot in grains and cereals and Sclerotinia stem rot in broadleaf crops will provide growers with integrated disease management strategies to minimise yield loss and economic impacts.

Integrated disease management strategies could include a combination of crop rotation, stubble management, varietal disease tolerance, strategic fungicide use and novel strategies such as application of biological control agents.

  • Fusarium crown rot mainly affects winter cereal crops including wheat, barley, durum wheat and triticale and is a major issue in dryland farming systems across Australia, including NSW. It is estimated to cost growers in NSW and Queensland around $112 million annually.
  • Sclerotinia stem rot, often called “white mould”, is a major fungal disease that affects a range of broadleaf crops, particularly in higher rainfall or irrigated systems, including canola, chickpea, lupin, and faba bean. It is estimated to cost NSW southern region growers around $70 million annually.

The projects will also have a strong focus on skills transfer of research methodologies and capacity building to support the management of future soil-borne disease issues.

NSW DPIRD plant pathologist Dr Steven Simpfendorfer, a national expert on Fusarium crown rot, is leading the state’s contribution to that disease theme and DPIRD broadleaf crop pathologist Dr Kurt Lindbeck is leading the national theme on Sclerotinia stem rot.

The importance of managing soil-borne diseases has increased as growers adopt conservation cropping practices, in particular stubble retention, which has associated environmental benefits of reduced soil erosion, reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, increased water use efficiency, and improved drought resilience.

Soil-borne diseases also reduce nitrogen use efficiency, which not only increases the economic impact to farmers but also elevates greenhouse gas emissions through the need to apply more artificial fertiliser to compensate.

Recent crop vulnerability studies have highlighted that the impact of soil-borne diseases will increase further under future climate scenarios making this is a priority area for future sustainable land use and nature positive research.

Visit the GRDC website to learn more about the Soil-borne disease initiative.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“Cropping is worth $11.6 billion to the NSW economy, so this research partnership between the NSW Government and the Grains Research and Development Corporation is vital to provide growers with the knowledge and tools to tackle soil-borne diseases on their farms.

“This initiative will provide crop producers with the scientifically proven disease management strategies so they can remain productive as part of the state’s annual primary industries output worth $25.5 billion.

“These projects will bring wider benefits to the economic growth of NSW and maintain regional biosecurity expertise to respond to endemic and exotic crop disease issues.”

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Director Cropping Systems Guy McMullen said:

“NSW growers need regionally proven integrated disease management strategies so that soil-borne diseases do not become an economic barrier to continuing and further adoption of environmentally beneficial farming practices.

“Without such intervention, growers may have to resort to more aggressive stubble management practices such as burning and cultivation, which have associated negative impacts on the environment from soil erosion, air pollution through increased frequency of dust storms, and greenhouse gas emissions.

“The capacity building part of these projects is critical to ensuring the availability of expertise to respond to sporadic issues with endemic diseases and regional biosecurity capacity in the event of exotic incursions.”

Grains Research and Development Corporation Board Chair Sharon Starick said:

“Soil-borne diseases are responsible for more than half of total yield losses from disease in Australian grain crops.

“Through this initiative, GRDC will invest $20 million nationally, complemented by an additional $14 million from collaborating research partners.

“As part of the program, which builds on past research, we aim to equip Australian grain growers with practical, economic and innovative soil-borne disease management strategies that reduce the financial impact of these diseases on their farming businesses.”

Grains Research and Development Corporation Managing Director Nigel Hart said:

“We know this is a critical area for growers and advisers, which is why we have committed to bringing current and new research together in a highly effective multi-disciplinary way.

“By bringing together Australia’s leading researchers and communication and extension specialists, we’re ensuring growers and advisers have the information, support and confidence they need to adopt and implement new and improved disease management strategies.

“To help address the specific needs of the northern cropping regions, nodes will be developed in partnership with NSW DPIRD, University of Queensland, and the University of Southern Queensland.”

Preventing antisemitic activities in Local Government facilities

The use of council-controlled facilities for activities deemed antisemitic will be prohibited under an amendment to the Local Government Act to be moved by the NSW Liberals and Nationals. 
 
The amendment to the Local Government Act 1993 would prohibit the use of council-controlled land or facilities by any person or organisation reasonably suspected of being likely to engage in antisemitic activities with consideration given to the use of the phrases “globalise the Intifada” and “from the river to the sea”. 
 
The amendments would draw on elements of the Prevention of Antisemitism Bill 2026 introduced by NSW Liberals and Nationals in February which adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. 
 
Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said social cohesion is at the core of the change.  
 
“This is not some harmless phrase; it is an incitement to hatred and violence against the Jewish community, and allowing its use in a council-controlled venue puts at risk everything we have done to promote social cohesion,” Ms Sloane said.  
 
“By prohibiting antisemitic events in council venues, the Liberals and Nationals are drawing a line unlike the Premier who can’t even pick up the phone to Clover Moore.” 
 
“This amendment will ensure local government has to take action against divisive events like Tuesday’s forum.” 
 
Shadow Attorney General Damien Tudehope said considering events such as tonight’s public forum hosted by Stop The War in Palestine, action cannot wait.  
 
“The amendment is directed at antisemitic activities because antisemitism is a real current threat to the wellbeing of the Jewish community in New South Wales,” Mr Tudehope said.  
 
“Antisemitism has no place in our community. No local government facility should be made available to those wishing to promote the destruction of the Jewish people.”  

NSW Liberals and Nationals to move on e-bike rat-bag laws

Under the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government rat-bags on e-bikes will be held accountable.
 
The Opposition will move to amend the Road Transport Amendment (Non-registrable Motor Vehicles) Bill 2026 to enable the NSW Police Force to seize any e-bike, regardless of its legality, from the community if the rider’s behaviour falls short of community standards.
 
Adults would have their bike seized for 14 days, while minors would be forced to have a parent or guardian collect the device.
 
The rat-bag laws follow the Opposition’s strong action on e-bikes including its policy to introduce a licence plate scheme for particular rider cohorts if elected.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the Labor Government is all talk and no action on out-of-control e-bike behaviour, ignoring the lived experience of the community.
 
“People are sick of dodging rat-bags on e-bikes while the Government sits on its hands and tells them to cop it. This is about consequences,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“Chris Minns and John Graham want headlines about crushing bikes, but they still won’t give police the powers they need to stop rat-bag behaviour.”
 
“If you ride responsibly, you have nothing to worry about. But if you’re tearing through shopping centres, abusing police or treating suburban streets like a racetrack, your e-bike will be taken.”
 
The Opposition amendments would allow NSW Police to seize legal e-bikes based on an agreed level of behaviour between the transport minister and NSW Police Commissioner.
 
As the Opposition does not have access to the NSW Police Force, it proposes that the regulations establish the clear guidelines that will be the criteria for seizure, and expects it to include dangerous or anti-social behaviour, reckless riding, intimidating the public, abusing police, or riding through private property and shopping centres.
 
Shadow Minister for Police Anthony Roberts said the Government’s approach is weak, reactive and completely disconnected from what communities are demanding.
 
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals are on the side of families, local communities and police officers who are sick of seeing the rules ignored with no meaningful deterrent,” Mr Roberts said.
 
Mrs Ward said Labor now faced a clear choice.
 
“They can back common-sense powers for police, or they can keep protecting e-bike rat-bags while communities suffer.”