The Minister for Small Business and Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Kelly O'Dwyer MP has removed an outdated mandatory standard that limited the range of motorcycle helmets available for sale by Australian retailers.
Minister O'Dwyer said the Turnbull Government is ensuring Australian retailers can sell the helmets that are already legally allowed to be worn in some States and Territories.
"States and territories are responsible for safety laws and in Victoria, Queensland and the Northern Territory the European Standard for helmets is recognised.
"The national standard previously restricted motorcycle retailers to selling only helmets that met the Australian Standard.
"This has been an unnecessary duplication of regulation which meant that our local retailers could not legally compete with online retailers selling European Standard helmets.
"Removing the standard means retailers will be able to sell consumers a wider range of helmets, consistent with the road rules.
"The removal of the standard does not permit retailers to sell substandard helmets. Helmets must be both safe and legal for motorcyclists to use on our roads as per state and territory law.
"The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and State and Territory fair trading agencies will be testing for unsafe helmets and penalties will apply if poor quality helmets are offered for sale in Australia.
"The decision to remove the mandatory standard follows a review by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission," Minister O’Dwyer said.