NSW Introduces Legislation to Seize and Destroy Illegal Ebikes
The New South Wales government is set to introduce legislation granting authorities the power to seize and crush "throttle-only, high-powered e-motorbikes." The bill, due to be presented to parliament today, will empower police and Transport for NSW officers to confiscate ebikes operating at speeds exceeding 25km/h and send them for destruction, regardless of whether they were purchased mistakenly. New roadside "dyno units" will be employed by officers to measure a bike's speed.
The government states these measures are part of a safety crackdown following a rise in injuries and a recent incident where ebike riders swarmed the Sydney Harbour Bridge last month. Additionally, the government plans to introduce an age restriction to ride an ebike, proposed to be between 12 and 16 years, though the exact age is yet to be finalized. A recent two-day safety blitz resulted in 170 fines issued for illegal ebikes.
"We don’t want to discourage safe and healthy ebike use but we do want to discourage dangerous and illegal e-motorbike use – and these powers will do exactly that. If it behaves like a motorbike, it’s probably illegal and could end up in the crusher. So the message is simple: don’t buy an illegal ebike."
– Transport Minister John Graham
Striking Teachers Take Pay Fight to State Parliament
Tens of thousands of Victorian teachers will strike after efforts to prevent school disruptions failed, according to AAP. Victorian public school teachers, principals, and other education staff will not attend work on Tuesday due to a pay dispute. Teachers in Tasmania will also participate in strikes.
Approximately one-third of the 30,000-strong unionised workforce is expected to march from Victorian Trades Hall to state parliament for a rally on the front steps. Schools will remain open, but many parents have been advised that classes may not run and to keep children at home if possible.
The Department of Education has not specified how many schools will operate at reduced capacity but confirmed efforts are underway to minimize disruption. It stated:
"Whilst all schools are expected to be open ... many schools will only be able to provide supervision for a limited number of students. Schools will communicate any changes to school programs directly to parents and carers."
Government Announces Support for Truck Drivers Amid Fuel Price Spikes
The government announced measures to protect truck drivers from fuel price spikes by removing the six-month wait time for contract chain orders. Labor indicated that shortening contract negotiation periods between trucking companies and major retailers would help ensure fair contract terms from retailers, mining companies, and manufacturers.
This initiative aims to ensure truck drivers receive adequate compensation to cover fuel costs. Speaking on the Today show, Minister Amanda Rishworth said:
"I will be announcing some measures to support truckies, in particular, to make sure that they get a fair go and that some of the costs we’re seeing are fairly shared across the supply chain."
The legislation is still pending, leaving uncertainty about its introduction timeline.
AI Companion Chatbots Failing to Protect Children, Warns Online Safety Regulator
The eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, stated this morning that Australia is experiencing a surge in AI companion chatbots that are captivating young users, raising concerns about their safety and suitability for children.
"We’re also starting to see the lines begin to blur between AI chatbots and companions in terms of their features and functionality. While AI companions can feel personal and supportive, they really are not designed for children and they are not mental health experts either, which is why I’m concerned that most of the chatbots services we asked questions of did not automatically refer users to appropriate support when self-harm or suicide were detected in chats. It’s also extremely troubling to discover that a number of these chatbot services were not checking all the AI models they used to provide their service for inputs (or prompts) relating to child sexual exploitation and abuse material."
Australia’s online safety regulator has warned that AI companion services lack basic safeguards for children, including robust age verification and directing users to support services when self-harm is detected. In October, eSafety issued notices to four companies providing AI companion services—Chai, Character.AI, Chub AI, and Nomi—requesting information on child safety measures.
The regulator found none of these services had age assurance preventing children from accessing adult features such as pornography or sexually explicit chat exchanges. Chai, Chub AI, and Nomi lacked structured support for potential self-harm, such as referrals to crisis support services. Nomi and Chub AI had no dedicated moderation or safety staff, while Chai and Nomi failed to report child sexual exploitation and abuse material to enforcement authorities.
A recent survey by eSafety of 1,950 Australian children aged 10 to 17 revealed that 79% had used AI assistants, and 8% had used AI companions. Extrapolated nationally, this suggests around 200,000 Australian children may be using AI companions. The full survey results have not yet been published.
Following engagement with eSafety, Character.AI introduced age assurance measures for Australian users and disabled chat functions for under-18s. Chub AI geoblocked its service from Australia, Chai restricted companion chat access to paid rs, and Nomi committed to implementing further age assurance functionality.
Ed Husic Calls for National AI Act to Manage Risks
Labor backbencher Ed Husic has advocated for national legislation to manage artificial intelligence risks after witnessing job losses attributed to AI technology. His stance contrasts with the Albanese government’s recent approach, which has been less interventionist.
"Governments can’t just be cheerleaders for novel uses of AI, they must prepare and dilute the associated risks. We need a comprehensive, economy-wide national AI act that identifies risks and sets out our expectations for how to manage them and build sorely needed confidence in AI. We can’t have a hands off, laissez-faire approach to AI, or just respond in a knee-jerk, spasmodic way to the AI risks that only threaten the loudest, or most powerful, voices in society."
– Ed Husic
Husic’s remarks followed the release of a set of voluntary measures for industry players seeking priority assessment by the federal government.
Australian Medical Association Warns of Harm from Online Gambling
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has expressed concern about the harm caused by gambling in Australia and urged the federal government to respond immediately to a report from the late Labor MP Peta Murphy calling for a wagering advertisement ban. Today marks 1,000 days since Murphy’s report was released in June 2023. Despite ongoing consultations by Communications Minister Anika Wells with stakeholders, the government has yet to formally respond.
"Online gambling is causing immeasurable harm to Australian families. A partial ban on wagering ads wouldn’t work," said AMA president Dr Danielle McMullen. She highlighted Australians as among the highest gambling loss bearers globally and expressed concern about vulnerable groups, including children, being exposed to gambling advertisements. The AMA demands an immediate response to all 31 recommendations, including total advertising bans, an independent regulator, and child protection.
"One thousand days of inaction while online gambling companies flood sports broadcasts with predatory advertising is unacceptable. Every day of delay means more Australians fall victim to an industry that profits from harm and despair."
– Dr Danielle McMullen
1,000 Days Since Murphy Report on Gambling Ad Bans
Today marks 1,000 days since Peta Murphy’s landmark report advocating for a ban on gambling advertisements. Independent MP Kate Chaney plans to introduce a private member’s bill to legislate a gambling ad ban, expressing frustration with the government’s delayed response.
"This is a deeply disappointing milestone to be marking – 1,000 days of delay and inaction on reforms widely supported by Australians. I’m doing the work, even if the government is not. My private member’s bill to end online gambling ads is needed to stop children and young people being groomed to gamble as they watch their favourite sports."
– Kate Chaney
The government has not yet responded to Murphy’s report; Murphy passed away in 2023 after battling cancer. Communications Minister Anika Wells continues consultations with sporting organisations, harm reduction advocates, media, and the wagering industry regarding further gambling ad restrictions.
Chaney’s bill, set to be introduced next week, proposes a phased complete ban on online gambling advertisements over three years, covering TV, streaming services, social media, and sporting venues.
"I’ve been fighting for gambling reform for 1,000 days and I’ll continue to keep the pressure on for as long as it takes the Albanese government to enact meaningful gambling reform."
– Kate Chaney
Additional Political Updates
Good morning, Krishani Dhanji here with you, following Martin Farrer’s overnight coverage. Today promises a busy sitting day with fuel supply concerns and the Middle East conflict dominating the agenda. The government faces pressure to secure fuel supplies, especially beyond mid-April, and to deliver fuel to regions experiencing shortages.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with the Prime Minister and address Parliament as Australia and the European Union continue negotiations toward a free trade agreement, with speculation about a possible announcement today.
International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol told 7.30 last night that the world is facing its greatest global energy security threat in history, with Australians feeling the impact at the petrol pump.
New South Wales is advancing its commitment to remove illegal ebikes from the roads, with legislation expected to be introduced in parliament today.
