Commissioner for Electrical Safety Keith McKenzie reappointed

• The Commissioner for Electrical Safety Mr Keith McKenzie has been reappointed for a further three years.
• Quality training for electrical apprentices and maintaining high electrical safety standards to keep all Queenslanders safe are his major priorities.
• Mr McKenzie started his electrical career in 1986 and has broad experience in the industry and a strong connection to stakeholders across the state. 

The Crisafulli Government has reappointed Mr Keith McKenzie in the role of Commissioner for Electrical Safety for a further three years in recognition of his strong focus on improving electrical apprentice training and electrical safety practices in the workplace, home, and the community. 

Mr McKenzie started his electrical career in 1986 and after gaining his electrical fitter and mechanics licence, he worked for a number of businesses including on commercial, hospital, petrochemical and industrial projects. 

He has also served on a range of boards and committees in apprentice training, work health and safety and Australian standards and has been a member of the Electrical Safety Board and Electrical Licensing Committee since 2011. 

In this role, the Commissioner also chairs the Electrical Safety Board, Electrical Licensing Committee, the Electrical Safety Education Committee, and the Electrical Equipment Committee.    

Mr McKenzie’s reappointment comes just months after the Crisafulli Government launched updated guidance and a campaign to keep sparkies safe at work. 

The updated Safe Working and Supervision Guide for Electrical Apprentices, which outlines essential safety procedures for electrical apprentices, employers, and supervisors, was launched by the Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie in February this year.  

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said he looked forward to continuing to work with Mr McKenzie. 

“I’ve seen first-hand Keith’s invaluable combination of experience, knowledge and a passion for safety with important initiatives such as the Safe Working and Supervision Guide for Electrical Apprentices and the new regulations making it mandatory to de-energise roof spaces before electrical work,’’ Mr Bleijie said. 

“Every Queenslander deserves to get home after a safe shift at work. 

“I have every confidence that Keith will continue to deliver strong leadership and valuable insight in his ongoing role. 

“Our entire Government wishes him the very best and is looking forward to continuing our collaborative work together.” 

Mr McKenzie said he and the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) would look to build on the hard work of the past four years. 

“I enjoy providing my expertise on apprentice training, workplace health and safety and Australian standards and I will continue to do that,” Mr McKenzie said. 

“I’ve always strongly believed it is a privilege to train an apprentice. They are the future of the electrical industry, and ensuring they start their careers with a strong understanding of safety is crucial.” 

National Electrical Communications Association (NECA) CEO Oliver Judd said NECA endorsed the reappointment of Mr McKenzie.