Media Release | 10 March 2026
Hon. Julie Freeman MLC
Shadow Minister for Road Safety
Shadow Minister for Road Safety Hon Julie Freeman MLC has accused the Cook Labor Government of “passing the buck” to the Commonwealth on e-rideable reforms.
Today, the Government’s response to the Parliamentary inquiry into e-rideables was tabled.
While the Government claims to “support” or “support in principle”, almost every recommendation of the bipartisan inquiry, they have now announced a pause on state reforms in favour of a national crackdown.
“Western Australians were promised action after a series of tragic and preventable deaths,” Ms Freeman said.
“Instead of decisive reform, what we’ve received is a list of deferred decisions, with the Government handballing responsibility to the federal level.”
Ms Freeman said the inquiry highlighted that unregistered and unidentifiable devices are creating serious enforcement challenges for police.
“Despite this urgency, the Government’s response stops short of committing to registration and licensing, offering only “in-principle” support while waiting for national standards to be developed.
The Committee also recommended practical measures that could begin immediately, including mandatory compliance labelling so devices can be visibly identified, registration linked to ownership to improve traceability, stronger penalties to reflect the risks of non-compliance, built-in speed limiting technology, expanded public education and rider training, and the introduction of dedicated infrastructure and dismount zones in busy pedestrian areas.
Ms Freeman added that many of the report’s recommendations fall squarely within the powers of the Cook Labor Government and could be implemented immediately.
“Western Australians should not have to wait for national reforms before sensible state-based safety measures are introduced,” she said.
“E-rideables play an important role in our future transport mix, however the Government needs to follow the recommendations of the Committee so they can be integrated safely.”
ENDS
