Electrical line workers will soon be protected by a new licensing scheme, thanks to legislation introduced into Parliament today by the Andrews Labor Government.

Delivering on a key election commitment, the Energy Safety Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 will establish the new licensing scheme, which mandates minimum qualifications for the first time in the state’s history.

Electrical line workers operate in some of the most dangerous workplaces in the state and it’s crucial there is a scheme in place that requires workers to keep up to date with the latest safety requirements, as well as technological and industry changes.

The Bill is part of the Labor Government’s reforms to strengthen energy safety watchdog, Energy Safety Victoria (ESV).

The reforms include the establishment of the three-person ESV Commission, recommended last year by the extensive Grimes Review.

The change will see the governance structure of ESV move from a single-member agency to the new Commission, delivering a leadership team with a greater breadth of skills and experience.

The Commission will be supported by a Technical Advisory Committee to ensure the Commission has the best expertise available to guide its decision making.

ESV has been given more resources and a mandate to put community safety at the forefront and hold duty holders to account, which is vital as the industry transforms.

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

“We said we’d deliver a licensing scheme to keep our electrical line workers safe and that’s what we’re doing.”

“Energy Safe Victoria plays a vital role in monitoring the energy sector and holding those who do the wrong thing to account.”

“This bill is just one of the ways we’re reforming the energy sector to drive down the cost of energy, hold the big power companies to account and keep Victorians safe.”