International education celebrated at state’s top awards

NSW’s top international students, education providers, businesses and community groups have been named and celebrated at the prestigious 2024 NSW International Education Awards.

The awards, now in their 11th year, recognise the success and contributions of international students across NSW and celebrate organisations for their outstanding support for international education.

Two types of awards were presented:

The NSW International Student of the Year Awards recognise the contributions made by individual students to their education and broader community.

The winners across three categories were:

  • Schools – Minh Thiem (Evelyn) Lieu from Vietnam, studying at Canley Vale High School.
  • Vocational Education and Training (VET) and English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Cristina Gabriela Tacuri Garcia from Ecuador, studying at Greenwich College.
  • Higher Education – Aradhana Grover from India, studying at The University of Newcastle.

The NSW International Education Industry Awards recognise the contributions of education providers and organisations that support international students through programs and initiatives.

The winners across two categories were:

  • Education Provider – UNSW Sydney Water Safety Program
  • Partnership Excellence – Redfern Legal Centre International Student Legal Service NSW

Winners were announced on Wednesday night at an awards ceremony held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney.

For more information about the 2024 NSW International Education Awards, including a full list of the finalists and winners, visit Study NSW: https://www.study.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/nsw-international-education-awards/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“I congratulate all of this year’s winners and finalists who are helping to make NSW an even better place for international students to further their education.

“International education showcases Australia as an attractive destination, and NSW is the nation’s leading exporter of education services.”

NSW International Student of the Year, Higher Education Winner Aradhana Grover said:

“Being recognised for this award fills me with immense joy and gratitude.

“Winning this award is a personal honour but also a reflection of the meaningful connections we can foster.

“It’s a reminder of the importance of our collective efforts to uplift each other and drive positive change, reinforcing the belief that every act of kindness makes a difference.

“This award also recognises the dedication and passion that international students contribute to communities.

“Awards like this are important because they celebrate the diverse contributions of international students, highlighting their unique perspectives and experiences.

“These awards create a platform for sharing the stories and accomplishments of international students, fostering a sense of community and belonging.”

NSW International Education Industry Awards, Partnership Excellence Winner Sean Stimson, Redfern Legal Centre said:

“We are deeply grateful and humbled to win this award.

“Winning is a wonderful recognition of our team for their collective efforts to improve the educational experiences and legal protections of international students in NSW.

“This award will no doubt strengthen our ability to continue advocating, to ensure the safety and well-being of all international students.

“Awards like this shine a spotlight on the critical issues facing international students, who contribute so much to the cultural and economic fabric of NSW.

“It also encourages greater collaboration between education providers, government, and legal services to continue innovating and improving the support offered to international students.

“These awards celebrate not just individual achievements, but the collective effort to create a safer and more inclusive environment for students, which in turn strengthens NSW’s position as a global leader in international education.”

Major work to transform the new city-shaping Southwest Metro powers ahead

Major works to transform the 130-year-old T3 Bankstown line to a modern metro and deliver more housing for Sydney are in full swing, with significant progress being made across the line as part of the city-shaping Southwest Metro conversion.

This progress includes Canterbury Station, where the first full set of Sydney Metro’s platform screen doors have been installed to create a 180-metre-long barrier along both of the station’s platforms

A total of 160 out of 360 platform screen doors have been fitted across the 10 Southwest stations being upgraded to ensure public safety with the remainder to be installed by the end of November.

Each of the state-of-the-art glass doors take approximately six hours to prepare and install, before being connected with electrical cables, powered on and prepared for testing and commissioning.

Since major construction commenced following the closure of the T3 Bankstown line a month ago, between 400 and 800 people have been working on the Southwest conversion every day.

Work completed to date as part of the Southwest conversion includes:

  • Track adjustments, overhead wiring and signalling work at Sydenham to disconnect the future Sydney Metro tracks from the adjacent Sydney Trains and ARTC networks.
  • Commissioning of the new T6 line to provide a four-car shuttle service from Bankstown to Lidcombe.
  • 20.21 kilometres of 21.34 kilometres of security and rail segregation fencing installed.
  • 160 of 360 platform screen doors installed at Bankstown, Canterbury, Campsie, Marrickville and Dulwich Hill stations.
  • 105 of 170 mechanical gap fillers installed at Marrickville, Canterbury, Hurlstone Park, Campsie, Dulwich Hill Stations, with installation works underway at Belmore, Punchbowl and Lakemba stations. 

The Minns Labor Government is also turbocharging the delivery of new housing along the Southwest Metro line by supporting transport-oriented development at a majority of stations on the line including an accelerated precinct at Bankstown Station.

We need more well-located homes near well-connected transport infrastructure, so people have a place to call home, where they can move around our city easier. Southwest Metro is a critical part of this.

This new metro will also allow thousands of people to live next to a high-frequency metro line with a train every four minutes during the peak. Prior to the shutdown, some stations along the Southwest line only had four trains an hour in the peak.

Additionally, a new 17km walking and cycling path will be built along the Sydenham to Bankstown alignment, giving people even more travel options.

Once the final section of this line is open, Sydney will have a 30-kilometre fast and reliable metro network from Sydney’s North West, under the harbour and below the Sydney CBD and out to Bankstown in the city’s South West.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build more housing close to infrastructure such as metros, jobs and essential services, building well-connected communities for NSW.

During the conversion period, free and frequent pink Southwest Link buses have carried over million passengers impacted by the closure of the T3 Bankstown line.

For more information on T3 replacement services: Southwest Link | transportnsw.info.

For more information on Southwest Metro: City & Southwest project overview | Sydney Metro.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“This new Metro will completely reshape how people across South Western Sydney travel around our city, providing world class public transport options that have been missing for far too long.

“NSW is losing twice as many young people as we’re gaining, and building new homes near public transport with major projects like this is a critical part of the solution to making housing more affordable.

“I want to thank the thousands of workers who have worked around the clock on this conversion and the many more who will deliver this converted line.”

Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen said:

“Platform screen doors are an essential part of delivering a modern new transport system and it is fantastic to see them standing proudly at Canterbury, where passengers will soon be able to jump on board a metro train with ease.

“We are making every second of this closure count so that people living in Sydney’s southwest will have access to game-changing fast, reliable and safe metro services.

“We have hit the ground running to ensure safe and reliable metro services are a reality for hundreds of thousands of people in Sydney’s inner west and southwest sooner rather than later. 

Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis said:

“This is a transformational project and one that will leave an important legacy in the area.

“The Minns Labor Government invested $1 billion to ensure that this long-promised project became a reality.

“When the conversion is complete, passengers will have access to a 21st century high-tech metro line with a train every four minutes during the peak, along with fully accessible stations and services.

“This is a huge win for commuters in the southwest who can expect faster travel times to destinations around Sydney, including Canterbury to Central in just 16 minutes.”

NSW Government launches Australia’s first operational Seasonal Drought Forecast

The Minns Labor Government’s groundbreaking drought forecasting system will make its debut in this month’s State Seasonal Update, published online today.

The Government is committed to growing and protecting the state’s primary industries and assisting farmers prepare for and better understand drought is a key goal.

The innovative online web-based tool will provide essential insights for farmers and other key agricultural stakeholders across NSW, allowing them to make informed decisions for drought preparedness, produce production and management.

The new service will provide vital insights for farmers and other key agricultural stakeholders allowing them to make better informed decisions for drought preparedness and management.

The forecast uses rainfall and temperature data from the Bureau of Meteorology’s seasonal forecast in the existing Enhanced Drought Information System (EDIS) to generate the most likely drought status for up to three months ahead. 

The drought forecast will be provided along with valuable information about the certainty of the forecast and its historical performance, allowing users to better anticipate and prepare for potential drought conditions.

The drought forecast is underpinned by extensive scientific evaluation of its accuracy over the past 40 years of overlapping observations and model runs.

Future enhancements to the forecast will include location-based information and interactive online tools for accessing data.

The NSW Government remains committed to drought preparedness, by working with communities and our agricultural industry to safeguard the State against the effects of drought. 

To view the operational Seasonal Drought Forecast, please visit this website

To view the October State Seasonal Update, please visit this website  

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to empowering NSW farmers with innovative technology and resources to tackle climate challenges, ensuring sustainable practices and food supplies for future generations.

“The launch of this seasonal drought forecast is a significant step forward in our ability to support farmers across NSW.

“By providing timely information, we can help our agricultural community prepare for and respond to the challenges of drought.

$6.4 million for local community infrastructure projects

Communities from Inverell to Albury and Bathurst to the Northern Beaches will benefit from $6.4 million funding under the NSW Government’s latest round of Infrastructure Grants.

A women and children’s refuge, musical society, marine rescue organisation and Aboriginal youth gym are among 46 recipients to share a total of $12.75 million this financial year.

Infrastructure Grants are funded by ClubGRANTS Category 3, which directs profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into community projects, while clubs receive a tax concession in return.

The grants support local community projects across four categories: sport and recreation, disaster readiness, community infrastructure, and arts and culture.

Key projects supported in this latest funding round include:

  • $200,000 to Tumbarumba Equine Club near the Snowy Mountains for roofing, power, lighting, water troughs and an additional disaster evacuation stock holding area for large animals
  • $270,100 to Ngarabal Aboriginal Corporation in Inverell to upgrade a gym facility to provide year-round boxing, martial arts and self defence programs for youth at risk
  • $51,600 to Wagga Wagga Art Gallery for new exhibition spaces, a print workshop, expanded storage and improved environmental and safety equipment
  • $55,300 to Western Suburbs Lawn Tennis Association in Ashfield to install new lighting to two synthetic tennis courts
  • $70,000 to Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society for an upgrade of digital microphones
  • $187,600 to Marine Rescue Cottage Point on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to replace engines and electronics on two rescue vessels
  • $50,000 to Margaret House Refuge in Young for refurbishment of a cottage that provides a safe and welcoming environment for women and children fleeing domestic violence and/or experiencing homelessness.

See the complete list of Infrastructure Grants Program recipients.

Applications for the next round of Infrastructure Grants are open until Monday 25 November. For more information visit Clubgrants Category 3 fund.

The NSW Government’s review into the effectiveness of ClubGRANTS is ongoing amid continuing work across government to improve integrity and public trust in grants. This is the first formal review into the scheme since 2013.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“I’m pleased to see this round of Infrastructure Grants go to many worthy groups who work hard for their communities across the state.

“I am impressed by the many and varied ways organisations are working to benefit their communities. 

“Infrastructure Grants improve local facilities that bring people together, help them prepare for and recover from disasters, and promote participation in sport, recreation and the arts.”

NSW businesses set to shine at world-leading expo in China

The NSW Government is supporting 29 businesses across the food, drink, and health supplement sectors to exhibit their products at this week’s China International Import Expo (CIIE) – China’s premier import-focused six-day trade show.

Attracting dignitaries and exhibitors from more than 150 countries, the CIIE gives NSW businesses direct access to buyers, distributors, and prospective customers from across China.

Our largest two-way trading partner for nearly two decades, China buys and consumes more agricultural produce from NSW than any other country, which was valued at $3.6 billion in 2023/2024.  NSW’s wine exports are also continuing to ramp up following the removal of import tariffs earlier this year.

Considerable opportunities remain to grow exports even further, particularly in the food and beverage sector, where NSW is well recognised for its premium produce.

At last year’s CIIE, the NSW Government helped businesses achieve $40 million worth of export deals and the Government will once again facilitate opportunities for businesses to grow and expand.

Mrs Toddy’s Tonics from Sydney’s Northern Beaches is one of the NSW businesses to exhibit at this year’s CIIE, showcasing a range of plant-based drinks that are already available at supermarkets across Australia.

Other NSW businesses showcasing their products include Pablo & Rusty’s Coffee Roasters, Australian Vintage Wines, Balance Water, and Noumi.

The CIIE will be held in Shanghai from 5-10 November 2024.

For more information about the event and the full list of NSW businesses that’ll be exhibiting visit: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/events/china-international-import-expo-2024-shanghai/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The China International Import Expo is a leading event on the global trade calendar and offers unparalleled opportunities for NSW exporters to connect with buyers and distributors in China.

“We are excited to once again showcase the best from across NSW at this prestigious import-focused event, including meat from the Riverina, wine from the Hunter Valley, spirits from Wollongong, and health supplements made in Sydney.

“China has a strong appetite for produce made in NSW, which is globally recognised for its high quality and safety standards, with demand only set to grow.”

Mrs Toddy’s Tonics Co-Founder Sophie Todd said:

“We’re thrilled at the opportunity to introduce a proudly Australian, female-led brand to China, and look forward to showcasing the Mrs Toddy’s Tonic range on the international stage.

“We know that Chinese consumers are becoming more health conscious and are turning to products with natural ingredients, so there’s enormous potential for a business like ours to establish a presence in this lucrative market.”

Light at the end of the Coffs Harbour Bypass tunnel

In a major milestone for one of regional Australia’s biggest infrastructure projects, the first phase of the multi-billion-dollar Coffs Harbour Bypass is complete.

The Coffs Harbour bypass tunnelling team working on either side of the 410-metre-long Gatelys Road Tunnel broke through the northbound tube on Monday 28 October.

Today, they have broken through the southbound tube, completing the first major phase of the three tunnels to be built as part of the bypass.

Each of the three tunnels will have two tubes, with each tube capable of carrying two lanes of traffic. There will also be room to accommodate cyclists.

The Australian Government is investing $1.76 billion towards the project, with the remaining $440 million investment provided by the New South Wales Government.

In a sign of how quickly things are moving for the tunnelling teams, a breakthrough at the 320-metre-long Shephards Lane tunnel is expected in mid-April next year.

The work comes despite a traditional tunnel boring machine not being feasible for use on the short tunnels due to the mobilisation time and cost.

Workers will now start excavating the tunnel floor, carry out the permanent tunnel lining works, install drainage, build the pavement, and complete the fit-out of the mechanical, electrical, fire, safety and intelligent transport systems.

All the equipment will then be tested and commissioned before the bypass is opened to the public.

The bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“This is a major milestone for this nation-shaping project.

“During consultation ahead of the project in 2016, the people of Coffs Harbour were very clear they wanted tunnels instead of cuttings and it is great to see progress in bringing that to fruition.

“Being able to pass through from one side of this large hill to the other is a major achievement, and I look forward to the work over the next two years as the tunnels start to take their final shape.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“It’s great to see a major tunnel project in the regions that has created 600 jobs and will remove 12,000 vehicles from the CBD. This will reduce travel times and deliver vital safety improvements.

“We see and hear regularly about tunnel projects around Sydney where tunnellers bore largely through sandstone or similar softer materials, but here in Coffs it’s been more challenging due to the material and location.

“I want to thank the project team for their hard work and commitment to delivering this critical piece of enabling transport infrastructure for the Coffs region and the entire country.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Coffs Harbour Cameron Murphy:

“The bypass, when it opens to traffic at the end of 2026, will make Coffs Harbour an even better place to live, work and visit.

“The tunnels are a major component of this project, and it is wonderful to see them progressing so well.”

The Minns Labor government treats Melbourne cup day as ‘garbage day’ to hide public sector failures

While the people of New South Wales enjoy the excitement of the Melbourne Cup and the Big Dance at Randwick, the Minns Labor Government is quietly treating today as their ‘Garbage Day’—hoping to bury damning results from their own public sector employee surveys.

These surveys, released today, paint a devastating picture of a public sector in crisis under Labor’s watch:

  • In the Health portfolio pay satisfaction has plummeted to a dismal 31%, with only 34% of employees believing that change is managed well
  • At NSW Ambulance, a mere 18% of employees have faith that their management will act on these survey results
  • At Transport burnout is rife, with 43% of employees reporting feeling mentally exhausted
  • Sydney Trains has seen a 6% drop in pay satisfaction and a dismal 36% approval rating on change management
  • The Premier’s Department has lost the confidence of its staff, with 45% doubting that any action will be taken on their feedback
  • The NSW Police Force faces an alarming 33% satisfaction rate with pay, and only 20% of officers believe that changes are managed effectively

The Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said this government is hoping that while New South Wales is focused on the races, we won’t notice the disaster they’ve made of the public sector.

“The Minns Labor Government is treating today as its ‘Garbage Day,’ trying to bury bad news in the hope it gets lost in the noise,” Mr Speakman said.

The surveys reveal what we’ve known all along—Labor can’t manage, they can’t lead, and their public servants are paying the price.

Same old Labor – headlines and ribbons won’t solve NSW’s real problems

NSW is stuck under a Premier more focused on headlines than delivery. Chris Minns, with his Labor caucus of union members from the likes of the CFMEU, ETU and the Maritime Union, is running a government of taskforces and inquiries that go nowhere.

Families across the state are feeling the pinch—housing approvals are down, infrastructure projects have stalled, and the cost of living keeps going up. Chris Minns talks big but delivers little. NSW doesn’t need more thought bubbles and delays; it needs real solutions.

What has Chris Minns really done for NSW? He’s cutting ribbons on projects started by the previous government and recycling old announcements, while families face rising costs and stalled housing approvals. NSW deserves better than a Premier who’s more occupied in ribbon-cutting than tackling real issues.

Instead of real solutions, we’re getting announcements that might make for headlines, but they’re not going to get NSW moving forward. The people of NSW need cost-of-living relief, housing approvals that aren’t stalled, and infrastructure projects that will drive our state into the future—not more taskforces, inquiries and PR stunts.

The people of NSW are tired of waiting. They don’t want another inquiry or taskforce—they want action. They need real cost-of-living relief, infrastructure that keeps up with our growing state, and a plan that goes beyond union demands.

Its time Chris Minns asks everyone are you better off now than you were 19 months ago? It’s the same old Labor story—lots of talk, no delivery. It’s time for Chris Minns to step up, because NSW can’t afford more of the same tired playbook.

Biggest cruise ship to dock in Eden

The largest cruise ship to ever dock at Eden Cruise Wharf, carrying 3560 passengers, will make a grand maiden entrance on Monday November 11 – the first following the NSW Government’s planning approval to allow bigger cruise ships and more frequent visits to Eden.

At 330 metres long, 36 metres wide and weighing 142,000 tonnes, Royal Princess is an impressive international cruise ship, stopping at the Sapphire Coast for the first time between calls in Sydney and then Port Arthur.

The Royal Princess is due to visit Eden again on 15 March 2025.

The arrival of ships up to 370 metres long (up from 325 metres) was made possible following recent planning modifications to cruise operations at the wharf. The modification also removed the 60 ships per year cap and now allows for overnight stays.

The Royal Princess’ will be one of 25 cruise ships to visit Eden this season, bringing 44,000 passengers and 20,000 crew. 12 ships will be making their maiden calls at Eden.

The season begins on Tuesday November 5 with the arrival of Disney Wonder.

Eden’s summer cruise season for 2023/24 was the busiest on record for the region, and injected an estimated $8.77 million into the local economy, as highlighted in the CLIA The Value of Cruise Tourism Report 2023/24.

To learn more about the schedule for visiting cruise ships, visit Port Authority’s Cruise Schedule.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“The first of the many larger ships to come, Royal Princess brings with her thousands of passengers and crew ready to disembark and explore the Bega Valley.

“We know cruise passengers bring welcome dollars to the local economy, whether that’s here in Eden as they soak up the wonderful hospitality, or by joining shore excursions to immerse in the very best the Sapphire Coast has on offer.

“The arrival of the Royal Princess signals an exciting new era for regional cruise which will see a gradual increase in bigger ships not only this season but also for many future seasons ahead bringing enormous benefits to the region.”

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“With 25 cruise ships visiting Eden this season, including 12 maiden calls, the benefits for the local community are enormous.

“Allowing bigger cruise ships and more frequent visits to the Eden Cruise Wharf sets the stage for record-breaking tourism, showcasing the natural beauty and hospitality of this unique part of our state.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said:

“A record-breaking $4.41 billion was injected into the state’s economy during the last cruise season.

It is great to see the Royal Princess will arrive in Eden on Monday 11 November, ensuring our region has access to the economic boost brought by these bigger cruise ships.

This time last year, the Royal Princess would have been 5 metres too long to dock here in Eden, but thanks to the new modifications to the

Port’s operations, Eden will see bigger ships and more frequent visits.”

“Every cruise season, visiting international cruise passengers can spend up to $283 a day, according to CLIA, injecting millions into local economies like ours.”

Port Authority CEO Captain Philip Holliday said:

“Since the first cruise ship arrived into Eden in 2005 there have been approximately 150 cruise ship visits, and more than 235,000 passengers visiting Eden.

“We are working closely with cruise lines to ensure the continuous growth of the NSW cruise market so even more cruise passengers can experience the best of NSW while injecting millions into local economies.”

“Recent Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) data shows that more than 6 in 10 people who have taken a cruise say that they have returned to a destination that they first visited via a cruise ship.”


Nation-first Information Standard for lithium-ion e-bikes and e-skateboards

In an Australian first, NSW Fair Trading is set to introduce an Information Standard for lithium-ion battery-powered e-micromobility products, as it powers up its nation-leading effort to protect consumers from safety risks posed by the increasingly popular devices. 

Information Standards regulate what guidance and warnings are provided to consumers about goods and services, with an aim to keep purchasers informed of the risks products carry and how they should be used to avoid those risks.

E-micromobility products include e-scooters, e-bikes, e-skateboards, self-balancing hoverboards and their associated chargers.

If retailers in NSW do not provide product guidance mandated by an Information Standard, they could be subject to penalties of up to $5,500 for each breach.

NSW Fair Trading’s proposed Information Standard for lithium-ion battery-powered e-micromobility devices will provide consumer advice and warnings on: 

Fire safety and emergency procedures – identifying signs of a fire and procedures to be followed in case of an emergency.  

Electrical safety – warnings for consumers about lithium-ion batteries, battery charging and warnings against modification of the device. 

Product storage – information on safe storage and protection from environmental hazards. 

Use, service and repair – information about safe use practices, what to do if there is any damage to the device, and details about service and repair centres.  

Road rules – information urging consumers to check the road rules applicable to their device.

End of life – best practices for disposal of devices and lithium-ion batteries. 

The forthcoming Information Standard, which is expected to be introduced in early 2025, will support the new product safety standards for lithium-ion e-micromobility devices.

The safety standards announced in early August require e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards and e-skateboards to meet new testing, certification, and marking requirements, and will be introduced in a staged process from 1 February 2025.

The product safety standards are intended to curb the fire-risks associated with lithium-ion e-micromobility devices by ensuring low quality and dangerous versions of these products cannot enter the market and be sold on to unwitting consumers.  

Retailers, manufacturers and suppliers will face fines of up to $825,000 for not complying with the new safety standards.

E-micromobility products were the single largest group of lithium-ion battery-powered devices associated with fires in 2022 and 2023, with Fire and Rescue NSW recording 90 incidents related to the products in those years. There have been 72 fire-incidents connected with e-micromobility products in 2024. 

This work by NSW Fair Trading complements the regulatory work for batteries being undertaken by the NSW Environment Protection Authority – showing that NSW is leading the way when it comes to protecting consumers, workers and the environment from battery risks now and into the future.

NSW Fair Trading is consulting with industry stakeholders and Government agencies to determine what should be included in the Information Standard. The public can have their say at: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/lithium-ion-battery-powered-micromobility-vehicles until 6 December 2024.

For more information on the new lithium-ion battery powered e-micromobility product standards, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/safety-home/electrical-safety/lithium-ion-battery-safety/new-safety-standards-for-lithium-ion-batteries-e-mobility-devices 

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:  

“We need to ensure we have a robust regulatory framework to keep consumers safe from the potential harms posed by some lithium-ion battery-powered products.

“This Information Standard is another step in building that framework and will provide consumers with the information they need to stay safe when using e-micromobility devices.

“The NSW Government looks forward to working with, and hearing from stakeholders and the public, about what they think consumers need to know before they buy an e-bike or other e-micromobility product.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“As we move towards legalising the use of e-scooters and other micro-mobility devices on NSW roads, it’s vital we ensure these devices are up to standard and pass strict safety standards.

“Ensuring that high quality lithium-ion battery-powered devices are the only ones available on the shelves will keep people safe.”

Commissioner of NSW Fair Trading, Natasha Mann:  

“NSW Fair Trading has been working closely with consumers, industry, and other Government agencies to ensure people are protected from the risks posed by lithium-ion e-micromobility products. 

“While new product standards for manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers are set to come into effect from 1 February next year, an Information Standard will give people access to the guidance they need when purchasing one of these products.

“These changes are about empowering consumers to make informed decisions when they first buy a product and knowing how to use it safely through the product’s life.”