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