Modernisation of the Northern Territory’s electrical safety laws

The Electricity Safety Regulator within NT WorkSafe is seeking feedback on proposed changes to modernise the Northern Territory's electrical safety laws. These changes are aimed at keeping all Territorians safe from electrical safety risks and preventing property damage.

Background

The Northern Territory lags behind the rest of Australia in electrical licensing and safety. The laws relating to electrical safety are contained in three different Acts which range in age between 20 to 40 years old.

This situation created overlaps and lack of clarity from a technical, licensing and safety perspective. They also do not accurately capture modern advancements in the electrical industry such as renewable energy generation and battery storage systems.

In April 2018, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice established the Electrical Safety and Licensing Reference Group to review and develop recommendations on amending, consolidating and modernising the Northern Territory’s electrical safety laws.

In December 2019, the Reference Group submitted a report to the Minister detailing 37 proposals. One of the key proposals was to develop new legislation focused solely on electrical safety.

The Electrical Safety Act 2022 was assented in Parliament in April 2022, with a commencement date of 1 July 2024 pending the development of the Electrical safety regulations.

Draft electrical safety regulations 2024

The Draft electrical safety regulations have been developed following extensive consultation with stakeholders including the Electrical Trades Union and Master Electricians Australia.

The draft regulations propose a number of new requirements, which are detailed on the NT WorkSafe website.

Who will be affected

The new laws will apply wherever electricity is used, including private residences, workplaces and public spaces, and to any person who could affect the electrical safety of others.

New requirements in the draft regulations apply to:

• the general public (tenants)
• electrical contractors
• electrical workers
• owners of residential properties (owner occupiers and landlords, including their property managers)
• person's conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU's)
  • PCBU's in the construction industry
  • PCBU's in Solar PV system design and/or installation
• community groups and not-for-profit organisations
• registered Training Organisations
• distribution entities.

Have your say

Consultation is now open on the new requirements included in the draft regulations.

The Electricity Safety Regulator within NT WorkSafe seeks feedback to:

• understand any concerns you may have about the proposed new requirements under the laws
• understand what additional information you may need to help you understand and comply with the new laws
• consider any issues that need to be addressed as the new laws come into effect.

Fill out the survey on this page to make comment.

All enquiries can be sent to ntworksafe@nt.gov.au.

Submissions close at 11:59pm on Sunday 2 June 2024.