In 2020 the Honourable Grace Grace MP, Minister for Industrial Relations, appointed Mr Dick Williams to lead a review of Queensland's Electrical Safety Act 2002.
The Review was to ensure Queensland’s electrical safety laws continue to provide high safety standards for workers and communities, while recognising that new and emerging technologies have had significant effects on electricity generation, storage, and supply.
The Final Report (PDF, 3 MB) of the Review of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 has been published. Feedback on the recommendations of the Final Report will be used to inform Government consideration of the recommendations and help to develop an approach to implementation.
Discussion paper and decision paper
In May 2023, a Discussion Paper (PDF, 1 MB) was published. The Discussion Paper considered options to address the following issues raised in the Review:
- Electrical safety considerations of new and emerging technologies
- The changing landscape of electricity and the workforce, and
- Electrical safety and electric vehicles.
A summary of the Discussion Paper (PDF, 1.1 MB) provided an overview of the topics explored in the Discussion Paper and Final Report.
Submissions to the Discussion Paper closed on 27 June 2023.
The Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) received 78 submissions to the Discussion Paper. Submissions were received from a range of industry bodies, businesses, government departments, Government Owned Corporations, worker representatives, committees, and individuals.
Submissions have been published online.
Thematic analysis of submissions received, independent economic analysis and further policy analysis has informed Government’s approach outlined in the Decision Paper.
Final report consultation
Submissions to the Final Report closed on 15 August 2023.
OIR received 88 submissions to the Final Report. Submissions were received from a range of industry bodies, businesses, government departments, Government Owned Corporations, worker representatives, committees, and individuals.
OIR are considering submissions on the Final Report and are undertaking further policy analysis to inform Government’s consideration of these recommendations.
Government response
In May 2023, the Preliminary Government Response to the Final Report (PDF, 188 KB) was published and outlined the approach Government would undertake to consider the recommendations made by the Review.
An updated Government Response to the Final Report has been published following consultation on the Discussion Paper and Final Report in 2023.
Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
On 22 May 2024, the Honourable Grace Grace MP, Minister for Industrial Relations, introduced the Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 into Queensland Parliament seeking to implement the first portion of legislative recommendations from the Review.
You will be able to view and download a copy of the Bill from the Queensland Parliament website. You can also read the Ministerial statement.