$4.5K fine for unlicensed work

A Perth man has been fined $4500 after instructing an unlicensed worker to carry out electrical work at a home in Balga.

The man was convicted in absentia at Perth Magistrates Court of breaching the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991, following prosecution by WA regulator Building and Energy.

The court heard that the man had engaged a worker through an employment services provider to carry out work at the property in May 2024. The worker told Building and Energy investigators that when the defendant advised him the tasks involved electrical work, the worker said he did not hold an electrical licence. In response, the defendant, who also did not hold an electrical licence, told him “not to worry and to do what he was told”.

Over two days, the worker carried out the electrical work as instructed. This included laying and cutting cables and installing them within the home’s roof and walls.

Under WA’s electrical licensing laws, electrical work must only be carried out by a person authorised by a licence or permit.

In addition to the $4500 fine, the defendant was ordered to pay $969 in costs. While noting that the work did not create an immediate risk to others, Magistrate Clare Stanyer said the breach was serious and there was a need to deter similar conduct.

WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Dan Kearney, said licensing requirements couldn’t be ignored for convenience or to save money.

“Electricity can cause electrocution, fires and serious damage to property. That’s why only people with the necessary training, competence and qualifications are allowed to do this work,” he said.

Image credit: iStock.com/skynesher. Image used for illustrative purposes only.