Over the last 20 years, since the Electrical Safety Act 2002 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.
The Queensland Government is now 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 until 27 June 2023, while feedback on all other issues will be open through to 15 August 2023.
Minister for Industrial Relations, Grace Grace said the government wants to ensure the Act is fit for purpose and keeps pace with changes in technology.
“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.”
For more information go to: https://www.oir.qld.gov.au/public-consultation/electrical-safety-act-2002-review
