An external review of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 was completed in 2021 Final Report (PDF 3 MB).
The review explored opportunities to improve The Review was to ensure Queensland’s electrical safety laws so they 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 Queensland Government consulted broadly on the review recommendations through a public consultation process and through targeted consultation with a range of industry bodies, businesses, government agencies, Government Owned Corporations, worker representatives and committees.
Key documents that supported the Queensland Government’s consideration of the 2021 Review of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 include:
- Discussion Paper (PDF, 1 MB) and summary of the Discussion Paper (PDF, 1.1 MB)
- Decision Paper (PDF, 2.2 MB)
- Preliminary Government Response to the Final Report (PDF, 188 KB)
- an updated Government Response to the Final Report (PDF, 296 KB).
In response to the review, the Queensland Government implemented 6 recommendations and 16 sub-recommendations including those delivered through the Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 and the Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2024.
Recommendations were prioritised for implementation on the basis that they aligned to the terms of reference for the review and satisfied impact analysis.
Implemented recommendations included amendments to the way in which electrical equipment is defined, the introduction of prescribed extra low voltage regulations, clarifying the powers of various Committees that report to the Electrical Safety Board, and new requirements for working safely in domestic roof spaces and near energised electrical equipment.
The Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations finalised the consideration of recommendations arising from the review and all recommendations are now considered closed.
The Queensland Government is committed to upholding and improving electrical safety outcomes for Queenslanders, by striking a balance between regulation, innovation, education, guidance and support, informed by evidence-based policy and technical expertise.
For further information please contact ESpolicy@oir.qld.gov.au.