Electrical Safety Act to enter a new era as public consultation opens

• Queenslanders encouraged to have their say on changes to the Electrical Safety Act
• Palaszczuk Government considering 83 recommendations from review
• Feedback on key issues identified as part of a discussion paper can be submitted until 27 June 2023, feedback on all other issues can be submitted until 15 August 2023

Electrical safety is a key priority of the Palaszczuk Government.

Over the last 20 years, since the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (the Act) was introduced, the way Queenslanders have used and interacted with electricity has changed dramatically – with many new technologies and products on the market now that could not be imagined in 2002.  

These changes have also created new safety risks which need to be managed.

In 2021, the Queensland Government commissioned an independent review of the Act undertaken by Mr Dick Williams.

A total of 83 recommendations were made as part of the comprehensive report into the Act.

The recommendations deal with issues ranging from the scope of the Act and coverage of emerging energy generation and storage technologies, including solar power and batteries; electric vehicles; hydrogen-based electricity generation; storage technologies; off-grid generation; and regulatory, licensing, and supply chain duties reform.

In the time since the final report was provided, the Office of Industrial Relations has undertaken a thorough analysis of which recommendations have regulatory or financial impacts to business, community and government.

To ensure we get this right the Palaszczuk Government is releasing the report and asking for feedback from all Queenslanders including through a targeted discussion paper on three key issues from the report as well as general feedback on all issues raised. This feedback will determine what changes will be made to the Act.

Queenslanders can give their feedback on the discussion paper from 16 May to 27 June 2023, while feedback on all other issues will be open through to 15 August 2023. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations, Grace Grace:

“The Palaszczuk Government wants to ensure this Act is fit for purpose and keeps pace with changes in technology - that’s why we want Queenslanders to have their say.

“The key issues in the discussion paper include: the electrical safety considerations of new and emerging technologies; the changing landscape of electricity and the workforce; and electrical safety and electric vehicles.

“We know how much technology and electricity use has changed since 2002 and that’s why we commissioned a review of the Act.

“I encourage the community to have their say by providing feedback during the consultation periods, and I thank everyone who contributes.”

Further information:

https://www.oir.qld.gov.au/public-consultation/electrical-safety-act-2002-review

ENDS

Media contact – Daniel Webb - 0438 401 078