Natalie Ward
Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure
Shadow Minister for Sport
Last night, The Minns Labor Government and the Greens teamed up to block tough new powers that would have allowed police to seize e-bikes from ratbags terrorising communities across NSW.
The NSW Liberals and Nationals amendments designed to crack down on reckless e-bike ratbags would have enabled the NSW Police to seize any e-bike based on the behaviour of the rider.
As a result of blocking the amendment, device specifications will now determine if ratbag riders face a consequence.
As an example, if two teenagers ride through a shopping mall or a netball gathering giving the middle finger to the community a poor police officer will have to determine first which e-bike is legal or illegal before they can take any action.
If the ratbag was on a legal e-bike they will now be untouchable.
Shadow Transport Minister Natalie Ward said the community will continue to suffer as a result of Labor’s actions.
“To put ratbag teenagers who terrorise the community, rip up golf courses and recently attacked a netball community day, ahead of the community, is a disgrace,” Ms Ward said.
“This proves Labor’s tough talk on e-bikes is completely hollow. They want the headlines, but when it comes time to act, they fold.”
“The community is fed up with dangerous riders intimidating pedestrians and acting like the rules do not apply to them. Until behaviour is addressed, nothing will change.”
The Liberals and Nationals will act, while the Labor Government continues to waffle.
The Opposition continues to advocate for a simple, low-cost registration identification scheme for riders under the age of 18, shared services and riders who use e-bikes for a commercial purpose.