Unlicensed worker receives $20K fine

In Perth, a man who posed as an electrical contractor and carried out electrical work has been fined $20,000 and ordered to pay costs for not holding the required electrical licences.

The man was sentenced at Joondalup Magistrates Court on 5 December 2025 for three matters under WA’s electrical licensing regulations.

The court heard that in November 2023, a Mullaloo homeowner contacted the man for a quote to install a double power point in a garage. The defendant subsequently completed this job, as well as carrying out further electrical installing work at the property, including a ceiling fan, exhaust fan, power points and downlights.

The defendant had previously held an electrical worker’s licence, which expired in 2018, and an electrical contractor’s licence, which expired in 2014. He did not hold any electrical licence at the time the work was performed.

Under WA’s electrical licensing laws, only a licensed electrical contractor can be contracted for electrical work, and electrical work must only be carried out by a person authorised by a licence or a permit.

“Electrical work by an unlicensed person is illegal and dangerous,” said Daniel Kearney, Executive Director of the state’s electrical safety regulator Building and Energy.

“The work is not certified or subject to inspection. There are also insurance implications,” he cautioned.

“I urge all consumers to check their electrical service provider is appropriately licensed prior to using them.”

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