Record attendance for Electrical Safety Fortnight 2025
More than 2,300 people participated in events held across Queensland during Electrical Safety Fortnight 2025—representing a significant 92% increase in attendance compared to last year.
This growth highlights the commitment within the industry to foster safe environments across workplaces, homes, and in public spaces.
Week one focused on Southeast Queensland kicking off with the electrical safety summit in Brisbane, followed by apprentice events in Brisbane and the regions, a well-attended industry toolbox webinar, and community activations at Bunnings Underwood and Newstead.
Week two took the focus to regional Queensland, with events in Mackay and Moranbah including a solar safety forum, inspector and contractor sessions, school visits, stakeholder meetings, and Bunnings activations in Mackay North and Townsville.
Highlights
The Electrical Safety Fortnight switched on with the flagship event – the Electrical Safety Summit in Brisbane on 2 September at Victoria Park in Brisbane.
Electrical Safety Commissioner Keith McKenzie addressed more than 550 attendees, including electrical industry leaders, apprenticeship providers and business owners.
Office of Industrial Relations Deputy Director General, Donna Heelan said Electrical Safety Fortnight was the ideal time to focus on the future of the industry.
“Industry leaders came together to focus on the future of the industry, to ensure we deliver a safe and efficient electrical future for Queensland,” Ms Heelan said.
“The industry is determined to ensure best practice in electrical safety is upheld and encouraging a proactive and engaged approach to improving electrical safety in Queensland.
“At the heart of this initiative is a shared commitment to support the next generation of electrical tradespeople and make safety an essential part of their journey from day one.”
Life coach Anneli Blundell was the keynote speaker, discussing the importance of having difficult conversations with colleagues, managers and direct reports to ensure safety is upheld.
Electrical Safety Commissioner Keith McKenzie said he hoped the Summit left industry leaders inspired to lead by example and teach younger staff how to have difficult and productive conversations.
“The message I want to drill into people is that safety comes first, and even though you might feel it's not your place to challenge a manager, if you know that something is unsafe you need to speak up,” Mr McKenzie said.
“This needs to be role modelled, from the top down, through all facets of the industry.”
Check out the highlight reel on ESO’s Facebook page.
Delegates hear from experts at the Electrical Safety Summit 2025 including Acting Executive Director, Electrical Safety Office Rob Wicks, Deputy Director General Donna Heelan and Electrical Safety Commissioner Keith McKenzie (pictured).
This year major apprentice providers including Electro Group and Energy Queensland hosted forums across Southeast Queensland with a strong focus on safeguarding vulnerable electrical apprentices and young workers.
Apprentices were reminded about the new requirements for carrying out work in domestic roof spaces, with the Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2024 (ESOLA) coming into effect on 1 January this year.
The Electrical Safety Office also released a refreshed apprentice guide and a new electrical safety keyring with a QR code linking to the electrical safety website.
Apprentices attend the apprentice forums during Electrical Safety Fortnight
The Electrical industry toolbox webinar attracted more than 600 online participants.
The audience heard important updates from the Commissioner and participated in an interactive question and answer session with the panel members from the Electrical Safety Office.
The topics of the webinar focused on compliance obligations, apprentice supervision, stakeholder accountability, and safe practices across high-risk environments (including mining, solar, and construction). Industry specific statistics were shared for electrical safety performance in 2024/2025, including compliance monitoring, and equipment checks.
Rob Wicks, Acting Executive Director, Michael Gibson, Director Field Services, Carl Porrit, Acting Director Equipment Safety and Michael Heinemann, Acting Director Supply Networks and Licencing discuss important industry updates from the Electrical Safety Office
Community engagement took place across the state, with ESO inspectors making special visits to four schools to discuss electrical safety awareness with school aged kids.
Four lucky Bunnings customers also walked away with $200 vouchers when they visited stores in Mackay, Newstead, Townsville and Underwood, to speak with inspectors about safety tips, and the importance of always hiring a licenced electrician to complete electrical work.
Electrical Safety Office Inspectors educate Bunnings customers about the importance of hiring a licenced electrician to complete electrical work
Missed out on Electrical Safety Fortnight events?
You can catch up on recordings from the livestreamed sessions. Watch keynote speeches from the Electrical safety summit.
Go to Electrical industry safety toolbox webinar to see industry presentations.