Queensland Government targets unlicensed electrical work

Unlicensed electrical work is extremely dangerous and illegal, and the Queensland Government is actively pursuing all available options to bring offenders to justice.

Head of the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) Donna Heelan said a blitz on unlicensed work being advertised and performed via online platforms has already produced results.

“Put simply, ‘unlicensed is unlawful’ and we are doing everything in our powers to stamp out this dangerous practice—those who are falsely advertising, those who are actually performing unlicensed work and those who are getting it done. You are all in the ESO’s sights,” Ms Heelan said.

“ESO inspectors executed a search warrant on a premise in South East Queensland as part of an investigation into allegations of unlicensed electrical work.

“An injunction application was lodged in the Brisbane Magistrates Court to restrain a company from contracting for electrical work because it didn’t hold the appropriate licence.

“People doing unlicensed electrical work don’t have the knowledge or competence to perform electrical work compliant to installation standards, or to test the work to ensure it is electrically safe.

“This poses a significant risk of shock which could result in serious injury or worse. There’s also the potential for fire and property damage.”

Earlier this year, a Queensland concreting business and its sole director were fined $42,500 for unsafe and unlicensed electrical practices. In a separate matter, an individual was charged with a total of nine offences relating to unlicensed electrical work and unlicensed electrical contracting and was fined $100,000.

Further information

For more information on electrical safety, visit electricalsafety.qld.gov.au