The Andrews Labor Government will support 42 of 43 recommendation of the independent review of Victoria’s energy safety framework.

The detailed review has identified that reform is needed to ensure Victoria has a strong regulator to watch over energy assets privatised by the Kennett Government.

The review identified key areas for improvement, including:

• Strengthening the governance of the Victorian regulator, Energy Safe Victoria (ESV)
• Broadening ESV’s capabilities and preparedness to take strong regulatory action
• Consolidating energy safety legislation to create a single energy safety law.

The Labor Government is already acting on the recommendations, including strengthening ESV’s capability and ensuring the safety framework can adapt and manage new risks.

ESV has already started strengthening its auditing and inspection regime, with new inspectors and data analysts.

ESV is also making changes to improve its data management systems, and is reviewing its compliance and enforcement practices to identify opportunities to improve.

The Labor Government has not accepted the recommendation that the Chair of the Energy Safe Victoria Commission should also serve as Chief Executive, as this does not reflect best practice governance.

The review’s publication follows detailed analysis and public consultation with a wide range of industry stakeholders, consumer groups and other interested parties.

For more information visit engage.vic.gov.au/electricity-network-safety-review

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“We need a strong watchdog for energy networks that were privatised by Jeff Kennett – a decision which Matthew Guy still thinks was good for Victoria.”

“We support the review’s recommendations and we’ll bolster the powers of our independent regulator to keep Victorians safe.”