The Victorian Government has passed the Energy and Land Legislation Amendment (Energy Safety) Bill 2025, which significantly expands the powers of Energy Safe Officers and Energy Safe Victoria (ESV).

Key changes include:

• New entry powers for ESV officers to enter premises
• Powers for courts to issue injunctions
• ESV powers to suspend an electrical contractor’s registration or an electrical worker’s licence if in the public interest
• Increased maximum penalties for serious safety breaches, including:
  • $48,000 for individuals
  • $240,000 for companies
    These apply to offences such as knowingly installing unsafe electrical equipment or making dangerous modifications to gas appliances that could result in injury, death, or significant property damage.

Read more about the changes here.

Master Electricians Australia acknowledges the importance of strong safety regulations. However, we are deeply concerned about the lack of procedural safeguards around these new powers, particularly for small business electrical contractors regarding expanded right-of-entry powers and license suspensions.  The ability to suspend a contractor’s licence or registration without full legal process could have immediate and devastating impacts on a small business, potentially shutting down operations overnight and damaging reputations without the opportunity to respond or appeal in a fair timeframe.  Small operators often lack the resources to challenge or appeal such actions quickly, putting them at a significant disadvantage compared to larger organisations.

MEA will continue to engage with ESV on important matters and monitor how these powers will be applied and to advocate for safeguards that protect the rights and livelihoods of small business owners.

HAVE YOUR SAY

In parallel, the Victorian Government has launched the Energy Safety Review Consultation, which seeks feedback on how safety regulations can keep pace with changes in the energy sector

The consultation paper outlines key trends, safety risks, and gaps in the current regulatory system, and seeks feedback from industry, particularly electricians.

MEA encourages all members to contribute feedback, particularly on how these changes affect your operations and safety obligations.

If you have comments or concerns you would like MEA to include in our submission, please email advocacy@mea.asn.au by C.O.B. Friday 06 June 2025.