In recent years, our state has seen a huge growth in EVs, e-bikes, and e-scooters on our roads and cycle paths. These technologies are critical to decarbonising transport and supporting NSW's energy transition.
At the same time, concerns have been raised about EV battery safety and fire risks. As Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Road Safety, I wanted to front-foot these issues. 
To this end, the Committee proactively established an inquiry into electric and hybrid vehicle batteries to make sure that the risks of these batteries are properly understood and addressed. In September of last year, we tabled the report of our inquiry.
Our recommendations were based on extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including first responders, industry, automotive mechanics, technical experts, and members of the public.
We recommended that the NSW Government advocate for nationwide, common safety standards for e-bike and e-scooter batteries, as low-quality imports of these devices are more likely to catch fire. The Government's new standards for e-bikes, which take effect this month, are a commendable first step, but more needs to be done.
Our emergency services workers do important work to keep the community safe. To keep them safe, we recommended sector-wide training on the safe management of EV fires, and that the Government ensure that emergency services workers are provided with appropriate and effective PPE.
We heard that automotive workers, such as mechanics, face risks from handling EV batteries, including electric hazards and chemical exposure. We heard that the Government is developing specialised qualifications and training for workers that repair and service EVs, and we encourage them to progress this much needed training as a priority.
To keep consumers safe, it's important that they know where to buy reputable EVs, e-bikes and e-scooters, and how to use and charge them safely. For this reason, we recommended that consumers are given consistent, clear and accessible information about how to buy high-quality products, and how to operate them safely.
The Committee's aim is to set out measures that will make roads safer for the public. It's my sincere hope that our report and its recommendations will ensure that these important emerging technologies are safe for the people of New South Wales.