Electrician loses licences following criminal acts


Thursday, 18 January, 2024

Electrician loses licences following criminal acts

A Perth electrician has received a criminal conviction for indecent acts committed while working at a customer’s home.

Subsequently, WA safety regulator Building and Energy referred the matter to the State Administrative Tribunal, which cancelled the man’s electrical worker and electrical contractor licences.

WA’s electrical licensing regulations require the holder of an electrical licence to be a “fit and proper person”, which includes consideration of past criminal convictions. Building and Energy referred the matter to the tribunal as it has the authority to order cancellation of electrical licences.

The tribunal heard that the electrician was convicted of two indecent dealing offences involving a 13-year-old while he was at the child’s home to carry out electrical work. The man had been sentenced by the District Court to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 15 months.

WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan, said the requirement to be a fit and proper person recognises that electrical workers and contractors are in positions of trust.

“Our licensing system is about safety — both in terms of the electrical work carried out and the worker’s conduct,” Abdoolakhan said.

“Electricians are invited into people’s homes, workplaces and other secure environments. The community should have confidence that a licence holder is trustworthy and does not have a criminal history that could compromise their personal safety.”

Image credit: iStock.com/DNY59

Related News

Deep dive on Surf Life Saving comms

At the upcoming Comms Connect Melbourne event, Surf Life Saving NSW's Andrew Ugarte will...

NHP to distribute Socomec range across ANZ

Following a 20-year relationship between the companies, the exclusive distribution partnership...

Electricity sector jobs forecast to double by 2029

A new report reveals that the nation might soon face a worrying lack of the type of electrical...


  • All content Copyright © 2024 Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd